# Scientists warn flu season may start unusually early this year

Researchers say the coming flu season could begin "incredibly" early, and they are tracking a set of early-warning signals to gauge how severe it might be. An early start matters because it can stretch hospitals and shift the timing of vaccination campaigns.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Science
- [Nature](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-03150-8) — 2026-10-06

### Health
- [NPR Health](https://www.npr.org/2026/10/06/nx-s1-5985003/an-early-start-to-flu-season-moves-up-vaccination-timing) — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:00:22 -0400