U.S.SPECIAL REPORT
Flu season is arriving earlier than normal, CDC says
The CDC says flu indicators have climbed since late August, with the highest activity on the West Coast; the usual start is October or November.
On air: Hank Ledger, Gloria Vance and Chip Darnell on Meet the PressurePublished
Photo: NIAID · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBNWatch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Gloria Vance and Chip Darnell on this story, from Meet the Pressure at 9:56 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are WSJ's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by WSJ: “Flu’s Back Way Sooner Than Normal. Here’s What to Know.”, with reporting from ABC10, Discover Magazine, Kohll's Rx and ABC10 (CDC statement).
- Covered on BBN on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 9:56 AM ET on Meet the Pressure, by Hank Ledger, Gloria Vance and Chip Darnell.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- WSJFlu’s Back Way Sooner Than Normal. Here’s What to Know.
- ABC10First deaths reported as flu season starts early for 2026 facts used on air
- Discover MagazineMutated Influenza Strain May Explain the Early Start to Fall 2026 Flu Season facts used on air
- Kohll's RxFlu Season 2026 Arrives Early: Before Halloween What You Need to Know facts used on air
- ABC10 (CDC statement)First deaths reported as flu season starts early for 2026 facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFlu season is arriving early this year, and the CDC says multiple indicators show cases have been rising since late August and early September.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorIn the CDC's own words, early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe highest activity is on the West Coast, and Louisiana and Hawaii are already reporting moderate levels, though national activity is still low.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorTraditionally flu ramps up in October or November, so this is a few weeks ahead of the usual schedule.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorOne theory, according to NPR, is a mutated influenza A strain that the immune system may not detect as well.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorFor viewers, the practical question is whether to get a flu shot now rather than waiting for the holidays.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe theory is a theory. The rising numbers are not.
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From the archive: everything BBN aired on Sunday, November 1, 2026 · the U.S. archive · all months
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