Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff

2026-2027 Flu Season: New tracking data suggests influenza activity is running approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons, with increases reported across western states and Florida.

2026-2027 Flu Season Starts Early as Walgreens Launches New Flu Index

STM Daily News | Health & Wellness

October 30, 2026

Flu season may be getting an early start this year, and a new online tracking tool from Walgreens is giving Americans a closer look at respiratory illness activity in their communities.

On October 21, Walgreens announced the launch of its 2026-2027 Flu Index, an interactive tool that monitors influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory illnesses across the United States.

According to the company’s initial findings, national flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons, with increasing activity reported across several western states and Florida.

The early trends serve as a reminder that influenza doesn’t necessarily wait until winter to begin spreading.

Flu Activity Is Increasing Earlier Than Expected

Walgreens reports that its early-season data indicates influenza activity is already increasing in multiple parts of the country.

The company’s findings include:

Advertisement

• Earlier flu activity: National flu activity is tracking approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons.
• Regional increases: Several western states and Florida are experiencing rising activity.
• More antiviral prescriptions: Walgreens reports dispensing more flu antiviral medications than during the same period in 2025.
• Growing demand for cold and flu products: Sales of cold and flu medications, at-home respiratory illness tests, cough drops, and tea have increased by double-digit percentages compared with last year.

Although these indicators suggest respiratory illness activity is increasing, they do not necessarily mean the current flu season will be more severe than previous seasons.

Increased purchases of cold medications and testing products can reflect changes in consumer behavior as well as illness trends.

The findings come from Walgreens’ pharmacy and retail data and should be considered alongside public health surveillance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What Is the Walgreens Flu Index?

The Walgreens Flu Index is an interactive online platform designed to help consumers understand where respiratory illnesses are circulating and how activity is changing over time.

The tool combines several types of information, including:

• Flu and COVID-19 testing data from Walgreens locations
• Prescription antiviral medication trends
• Over-the-counter cold and flu product purchases
• Geographic patterns in respiratory illness activity

Using these indicators, Walgreens calculates an activity score ranging from 0 to 10.

A score of zero represents the lowest level of activity, while a score of ten represents the highest.

The index provides weekly information for states and territories, along with more than 1,500 counties where sufficient Walgreens data is available.

The map is updated every Monday, allowing users to compare current activity with previous weeks and the prior flu season.

Importantly, Walgreens emphasizes that the index measures relative illness activity, not disease severity. A higher score does not necessarily indicate more hospitalizations, more serious infections, or a greater risk of complications.

The index also does not represent a complete count of influenza cases nationwide.

Explore the interactive map:
https://www.walgreens.com/seasonal/respiratory-illness-index

Advertisement

Why Local Flu Activity Matters

Influenza does not spread evenly across the country.

Some communities may experience increasing cases weeks before others, making local information useful for families, schools, healthcare providers, and individuals who may be at higher risk of complications.

“Flu activity can vary significantly from one community to another, and knowing what’s happening locally can make a real difference,” said Rick Gates, Walgreens’ chief pharmacy and enterprise external affairs officer.

Gates added that the index is intended to help people make informed decisions about prevention, including vaccination before influenza becomes more widespread in their communities.

For residents of states such as Arizona, California, Nevada, and other western states, the reported regional increases make monitoring local respiratory illness trends particularly relevant.

However, the company’s announcement does not establish that every western county is experiencing elevated flu activity. Readers should consult the latest local data for a more accurate picture.

Why Getting a Flu Shot Still Matters

Annual influenza vaccination remains an important tool for reducing the risk of flu illness and serious complications.

Because influenza viruses change over time, flu vaccines are reviewed and updated each season to target strains expected to circulate.

The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for most people ages six months and older, with rare exceptions.

Vaccination is especially important for people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including:

Advertisement

• Adults ages 65 and older
• Young children, particularly those younger than five
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
• People with weakened immune systems

For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends certain enhanced influenza vaccines, including higher-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted options, when available.

Walgreens says its pharmacies offer standard-dose and higher-dose vaccines, along with a new mRNA influenza vaccine at select locations.

Vaccine selection should follow current CDC recommendations, individual eligibility, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

It generally takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protective antibodies.

Even if influenza is already circulating locally, vaccination can still provide benefits throughout the season.

Practical Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Getting Sick

Vaccination is an important preventive measure, but it is not the only step people can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Public health guidance also encourages several everyday precautions.

Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water, particularly after touching shared surfaces or being in public places. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help when soap and water are unavailable.

Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.

Improve indoor air quality. Opening windows when practical, improving ventilation, and using appropriate air filtration can help reduce exposure to airborne respiratory viruses.

Avoid close contact when sick. Staying home when experiencing respiratory illness symptoms can help protect coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members.

Advertisement

Consider wearing a well-fitting mask. Masks can provide an additional layer of protection, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or around people at higher risk.

Pay attention to symptoms. Fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and congestion can occur with influenza and other respiratory infections.

Because flu and COVID-19 can produce similar symptoms, testing may help determine the cause of an illness.

People at higher risk of complications should contact a healthcare professional promptly if flu symptoms develop. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early, ideally within the first two days of symptoms, although treatment can still benefit some patients later.

Walgreens Expands Vaccination Access for the 2026–2027 Season

Alongside the launch of its Flu Index, Walgreens announced several efforts to make seasonal vaccinations more convenient.

The company says it is increasing pharmacy staffing, expanding appointment availability, and allowing customers to schedule vaccinations further in advance.

Customers can arrange appointments through several methods:

• Online: https://www.walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine
• Mobile: Walgreens app
• Text: Send “Flu” to 66879
• Telephone: 1-800-WALGREENS
• Walk-in: Participating Walgreens pharmacies, subject to availability

Walgreens also announced promotional Walgreens Cash rewards for eligible myWalgreens members receiving vaccinations.

Under the limited-time promotion, qualifying members may earn $15 in Walgreens Cash rewards on eligible purchases, along with an additional 10% back on qualifying purchases for a limited period.

Restrictions, exclusions, geographic limitations, and promotional deadlines apply. Customers should review the official terms before participating.

What About COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Illnesses?

Although influenza is the primary focus of the seasonal announcement, the Walgreens Flu Index also tracks COVID-19 and broader acute respiratory illness trends.

Advertisement

This distinction matters because several respiratory viruses can circulate simultaneously during the fall and winter months.

Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses can produce overlapping symptoms, but their potential complications and recommended treatments differ.

Vaccination eligibility and recommendations also vary by disease, age, and individual health circumstances.

Readers should consult current CDC guidance and their healthcare providers when considering flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccination.

The Bottom Line: Flu Season May Be Early, but Prevention Still Matters

The launch of the 2026–2027 Walgreens Flu Index offers another resource for Americans who want to monitor respiratory illness activity in their communities.

While Walgreens’ early findings suggest influenza activity is increasing sooner than in recent years, it is still too early to determine how severe the overall season will become.

The most important message for consumers is to prepare before respiratory illnesses become widespread.

Staying current with recommended vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, monitoring local illness trends, and seeking medical attention when appropriate can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

With flu activity already rising in some regions, now is a good time for families to review their seasonal health plans.

Related Links for Further Information

Walgreens Resources

Advertisement

• Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index — Interactive map showing respiratory illness activity across the United States.
• Walgreens Vaccination Scheduling — Schedule a flu vaccination or explore available vaccines.

Public Health Resources

• CDC Seasonal Influenza Information — Information about influenza symptoms, prevention, vaccination, and treatment.
• CDC FluView Surveillance — National influenza surveillance and weekly activity reports.
• CDC: Flu and People 65 Years and Older — Guidance for older adults and influenza vaccination.
• CDC Respiratory Illnesses — Prevention information for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Source: Walgreen Co., press release, October 21, 2026, Walgreens Launches 2026–2027 Flu Index as Activity Tracks Four Weeks Ahead of Recent Seasons.

Editor’s Note: This article summarizes information from Walgreens’ October 21, 2026, announcement. The reported early-season trends reflect the company’s findings at that time and are not a substitute for current CDC surveillance or medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals about individual vaccination and treatment decisions.

STM Daily News — News You Can Use This Moment!

Food & Drink

Easy Philly Chicken Cheesesteak Recipe

Tender chicken, golden onions, sautéed peppers, and melted cheese tucked into a toasted hoagie roll—this Philly-style chicken cheesesteak brings plenty of comfort to the dinner table without a complicated ingredient list.

Inspired by the beef cheesesteak, this chicken version makes a satisfying lunch, a casual weekend meal, or an easy dinner when you want something warm and filling. The trick is to slice the chicken thin, give it room to brown, and melt the cheese right over the filling before scooping everything into the rolls.

This home-style recipe includes bell peppers, with mushrooms as an optional addition. Make it your own with creamy white American cheese, mild provolone, or a slice of each.

Recipe at a Glance

● Servings: 4 sandwiches

● Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes

● Cook time: Approximately 20 minutes

● Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

● Equipment: Large skillet with a lid, cutting board, sharp knife, and a separate skillet or oven for toasting rolls

Ingredients

Advertisement

For the filling

● 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, very thinly sliced across the grain

● 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

● 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced

● 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil, divided

● 1 teaspoon garlic powder

● ½ teaspoon paprika

● ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

● ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

● 8 slices provolone or white American cheese, or a combination

Advertisement

For the sandwiches

● 4 hoagie rolls

● 2 tablespoons softened butter

● Mayonnaise, optional

● Hot sauce or sliced pickled peppers, optional

Optional addition: 8 ounces sliced mushrooms. Cook them with the vegetables, working in batches if needed so they brown instead of steam.

How to Make Philly-Style Chicken Cheesesteaks

1. Slice and season the chicken

Slice the chicken as thinly as you comfortably can, cutting across the grain. Toss with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Kitchen tip: If the chicken is difficult to slice, place it in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm it slightly first. This optional chilling time is additional to the recipe’s listed prep time.

Advertisement

2. Sauté the onions and peppers

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.

Transfer the vegetables to a plate.

3. Cook the chicken

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chicken in an even layer, cooking in batches if necessary.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning and separating the pieces as they cook. Timing will vary with the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your pan. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F, checking the thickest pieces with a food thermometer.

Use a spatula to break the cooked chicken into smaller, sandwich-friendly pieces.

4. Toast the rolls

While the chicken cooks, split the hoagie rolls without cutting all the way through. Spread the cut sides with softened butter.

Toast them butter-side down in a separate skillet over medium heat until lightly golden. Alternatively, toast them cut-side up under the broiler, watching closely.

Advertisement

5. Combine the filling and melt the cheese

Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and toss together. Reduce the heat to low.

Arrange the filling into four portions and place two slices of cheese over each portion. Cover the skillet briefly, just until the cheese melts. If your skillet is too small, melt the cheese over two portions at a time.

6. Fill and serve

Spread a little mayonnaise inside the rolls if desired. Scoop a portion of cheesy chicken and vegetables into each roll.

Finish with hot sauce or pickled peppers if you like a little heat, and serve immediately.

Tips for a Better Sandwich

Keep the chicken thin. Thin slices cook quickly and make the sandwich easier to bite into.

Give the pan some space. Crowding traps moisture. Cooking in batches helps the chicken develop a browned surface.

Choose a sturdy roll. A roll with a soft interior and enough structure to hold the filling works well. Light toasting helps it stand up to the juices.

Advertisement

Pick your cheese. White American gives the filling a creamy texture. Provolone adds a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Combining them gives you a little of both.

Adjust the vegetables. Try red bell pepper for a sweeter filling, add mushrooms, or keep it simple with onions and cheese.

What to Serve With Chicken Cheesesteaks

French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad all make easy sides. For a simple lunch, add a dill pickle and a handful of potato chips.

Can You Make the Filling Ahead?

Yes. Cook the chicken and vegetables ahead, then keep the filling separate from the rolls. Reheat it until hot throughout before adding cheese and assembling the sandwiches. Toast the rolls just before serving for the best texture.

A Comfort-Food Favorite for Your Dinner Rotation

These Philly-style chicken cheesesteaks turn a handful of everyday ingredients into a hearty meal. With tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and cheese melted into every serving, they’re an easy option for sandwich night.

What goes on your chicken cheesesteak—provolone, white American, mushrooms, or extra peppers? Tell us in the comments.

Find more recipes and meal inspiration in the STM Daily News Food & Drink section.

Related reading from STM Daily News

Advertisement

• Easy Homemade Chicken Alfredo Recipe⁠ Another comforting chicken dinner to try. 
• Fried Chicken from the Comfort of Home⁠ More inspiration for homemade chicken meals. 
• How to Make Country Style Lemonade⁠ A refreshing drink to serve with your sandwiches. 
• STM Daily News Food & Drink⁠ Explore more recipes, food news, and meal ideas.

Helpful cooking reference

Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures — FoodSafety.gov⁠ Supports the recipe’s instruction to cook chicken to 165°F. 

• Philadelphia Cheesesteaks — Visit Philadelphia — Explore Philadelphia’s signature sandwich and cheesesteak culture. Visit Philadelphia
• A Guide to the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia — Includes shops serving traditional and chicken variations. Visit Philadelphia
• Chicken From Farm to Table — USDA — Guidance on handling, thawing, cooking, and storing chicken. Food Safety and Inspection Service
• Leftovers and Food Safety — USDA — Helpful storage and reheating guidance for leftover sandwich filling. Food Safety and Inspection Service

After years of utility relocation and planning, LA Metro is moving into major construction on a new rail line along Van Nuys Boulevard. The milestone also comes with a revised early-2032 completion target.

LA Metro has officially marked the beginning of major construction on the East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit Project, moving one of the region’s most important rail projects from preparatory work into full-scale construction.

Metro held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 19, 2026, for the 6.7-mile line, which will run along Van Nuys Boulevard from the G Line busway north to San Fernando Road in Pacoima. The project will add 11 light-rail stations serving Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and Pacoima.

This was not the project’s first groundbreaking. Metro held an earlier ceremony in December 2022 when crews began relocating utility infrastructure. The new milestone is more consequential for riders: the major-construction phase covers the guideway, stations, traction-power substations, rail systems and a maintenance and storage facility.

From utility work to a new rail corridor

The project has spent several years in utility relocation, property acquisition, design and other early work. Metro’s current construction timeline shows major work continuing from 2026 through 2032, with phased traffic changes and K-rail installations expected along Van Nuys Boulevard.

When completed, trains are expected to operate every seven to 10 minutes during peak periods. The line will connect directly with the G Line and provide access to the Van Nuys Metrolink and Amtrak station. It is also expected to become an important transfer point for the future Sepulveda Transit Corridor and a planned Metrolink station in Pacoima.

The corridor already has a substantial transit market. Metro reported that bus Lines 233 and 761, which serve Van Nuys Boulevard, recorded nearly 20,000 boardings in September 2026. The agency also says approximately 19 percent of households in the project area lack access to a car, compared with about 8 percent countywide.

Those figures help explain why this project matters beyond its construction footprint. It is intended to give residents in some of the Valley’s most transit-dependent communities more reliable access to jobs, schools, healthcare and the wider regional transit network.

The opening target has moved to 2032

Metro’s current project page lists an estimated completion date of early 2032. That is later than the 2031 opening forecast the agency publicized when it celebrated an $893-million federal grant in September 2024. Earlier plans were more optimistic still: when utility work began in 2022, Metro said the first segment could open between 2028 and 2030.

The project’s financial scale has also grown clearer. In May 2026, the Metro Board established a life-of-project budget of approximately $3.999 billion and authorized the next phase of its progressive design-build contract with San Fernando Transit Constructors, a joint venture of Skanska and Stacy and Witbeck.

That authorization increased the construction contract’s value to roughly $2.431 billion. Funding for the larger project combines federal, state and local sources, including revenue from Los Angeles County’s Measure M transportation sales tax.

Rail returns to Van Nuys Boulevard

The East San Fernando Valley line will restore passenger rail to Van Nuys Boulevard for the first time since Pacific Electric ended streetcar service there in 1952. It will also become the first major new Metro rail project in the San Fernando Valley since the subway reached North Hollywood in 2000.

Advertisement

The historical parallel is significant. Van Nuys Boulevard once developed around electric railway service before the region shifted heavily toward automobiles and buses. Metro is now rebuilding rail in the same broad corridor, but as part of a modern network designed to connect local riders with bus rapid transit, regional rail and future high-capacity projects.

The current project ends in Pacoima. Metro continues to study a separate 2.5-mile northern extension that would reach the Sylmar/San Fernando Metrolink station. That extension is not included in the segment now entering major construction.

For riders, the October groundbreaking does not mean trains are imminent. Several years of disruptive and technically complex work remain, and the schedule has already moved beyond earlier forecasts. Still, it represents a tangible transition: the East San Fernando Valley line is no longer primarily a planning exercise or utility-relocation program. Metro has begun building the infrastructure that will carry trains.

That makes this a major step in Los Angeles County’s long effort to restore frequent rail transit to communities that lost it generations ago—and another chapter in The Long Track Back.

Primary sources

• LA Metro: Major construction will soon be underway
• LA Metro project page: East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Transit
• LA Metro Board meeting, May 28, 2026 — project budget and contract authorization
• LA Metro: $893 million federal grant announcement, September 6, 2024
• LA Metro: Advanced utility-work groundbreaking, December 2, 2022

This article is part of The Long Track Back, STM Daily News’ continuing coverage of how Los Angeles is rebuilding and expanding a passenger-rail network after decades of automobile-centered grow