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:

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• 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

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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:

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• 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.

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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.

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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

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• 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.

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Things Can Change So Review Your Medicare Coverage Options: Open Enrollment is Through Dec. 7

(Feature Impact)Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to give your Medicare plan a check-up. Plans change every year, and now is the time to check if a new plan could be better for you.

If you have Medicare, taking the time to review your coverage options each fall is one of the most important health decisions you can make.

Give Your Medicare Plan a Check-up

• Check your coverage. Ensure your preferred doctors, prescriptions and preferred pharmacies are covered.
• Check your costs. Look at premiums, deductibles, copays and other out-of-pocket costs.
• Check for changes. See what will be different in your plan for the coming year.
• Check your options. Compare plans side by side based on the prescriptions you take. Find the right plan for your health needs and your budget. Make sure your drugs are covered.

Now is the one time you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans and find a plan that’s better for you. Medicare Open Enrollment is your opportunity to review and compare options and take control of your expenditures and coverage.

Medicare plans change annually and so does your health. What worked for you last year may be different than what will work best this year. A review of your options can help you secure a plan best fit to your current lifestyle and health needs – while potentially saving you hundreds of dollars on out-of-pocket costs.

For instance, a person with Medicare compared drug plans to find the best costs and coverage for their prescriptions, including a blood thinner and a common cholesterol medication. Using medicare.gov, they found the yearly cost for a Medicare drug plan and these prescriptions ranged from $1,356-2,965. By choosing the lowest-cost plan, they saved more than $1,600 while keeping their essential medications covered.

Medicare.gov is the Official Source 

For all your Open Enrollment needs, Medicare.gov is your official source. It’s the trusted resource to help you navigate Open Enrollment, allowing you to explore and compare every available Medicare health and drug plan available in your area. If you prefer speaking with someone directly, call 1-800-MEDICARE to connect with a team of experts who are available 24/7 to help you review your options and answer any questions about your Medicare coverage.

To get started, go to Medicare.gov and click on “Find Plans Now.” For the best shopping experience, log in or create a Medicare account. You can easily compare plan costs, side by side, based on the medications you take. Make sure the plan you choose covers your prescription drugs and your doctors.

Don’t Wait – Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7

If you miss the Dec. 7 deadline, you may need to wait a full year before you can make any changes to your coverage. That’s why getting started early is important. Make sure you give yourself enough time to review and compare your options. You’ll want to consider factors like costs, benefits and prescription drug plans.

Medicare Open Enrollment is the perfect time to plan for the future and prioritize your health. Making sure you have a health plan that can support you in your wellness journey is critical, so don’t wait. Start reviewing your Medicare plan options today at Medicare.gov.

Stay Vigilant Against Medicare Fraud

Stay vigilant against Medicare fraud, especially during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scammers take advantage of this time of year; they may pretend to be from Medicare or an insurance company in order to steal your personal information.

Remember that Medicare will never contact you unsolicited. If someone you do not know calls, texts or emails you about Medicare, simply hang up or delete the message. By staying alert, you can help stop fraud before it starts.

If you suspect Medicare fraud, report it immediately to Medicare at Medicare.gov/fraud or at 1-800-MEDICARE. As always, remember to never give out your Medicare Number, Social Security Number or financial information to anyone you don’t know.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

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Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Sarah Kollat, Penn State

Fall for me as a teenager meant football games, homecoming dresses – and haunted houses. My friends organized group trips to the local fairground, where barn sheds were turned into halls of horror, and masked men nipped at our ankles with (chainless) chain saws as we waited in line, anticipating deeper frights to come once we were inside.

I’m not the only one who loves a good scare. Halloween attractions company America Haunts estimates Americans are spending upward of US$500 million annually on haunted house entrance fees simply for the privilege of being frightened. And lots of fright fans don’t limit their horror entertainment to spooky season, gorging horror movies, shows and books all year long.

To some people, this preoccupation with horror can seem tone deaf. School shootings, child abuse, war – the list of real-life horrors is endless. Why seek manufactured fear for entertainment when the world offers real terror in such large quantities?

As a developmental psychologist who writes dark thrillers on the side, I find the intersection of psychology and fear intriguing. To explain what drives this fascination with fear, I point to the theory that emotions evolved as a universal experience in humans because they help us survive. Creating fear in otherwise safe lives can be enjoyable – and is a way for people to practice and prepare for real-life dangers.

Fear can feel good

Controlled fear experiences – where you can click your remote, close the book, or walk out of the haunted house whenever you want – offer the physiological high that fear triggers, without any real risk.

When you perceive yourself under threat, adrenaline surges in your body and the evolutionary fight-or-flight response is activated. Your heart rate increases, you breathe deeper and faster, and your blood pressure goes up. Your body is preparing to defend itself against the danger or get away as fast as possible.

This physical reaction is crucial when facing a real threat. When experiencing controlled fear – like jump scares in a zombie TV show – you get to enjoy this energized sensation, similar to a runner’s high, without any risks. And then, once the threat is dealt with, your body releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which provides sensations of pleasure and relief.

In one study, researchers found that people who visited a high-intensity haunted house as a controlled fear experience displayed less brain activity in response to stimuli and less anxiety post-exposure. This finding suggests that exposing yourself to horror films, scary stories or suspenseful video games can actually calm you afterward. The effect might also explain why my husband and I choose to relax by watching zombie shows after a busy day at work.

The ties that bind

An essential motivation for human beings is the sense of belonging to a social group. According to the surgeon general, Americans who miss those connections are caught up in an epidemic of loneliness, which leaves people at risk for mental and physical health issues.

Going through intense fear experiences together strengthens the bonds between individuals. Good examples include veterans who served together in combat, survivors of natural disasters, and the “families” created in groups of first responders.

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I’m a volunteer firefighter, and the unique connection created through sharing intense threats, such as entering a burning building together, manifests in deep emotional bonds with my colleagues. After a significant fire call, we often note the improved morale and camaraderie of the firehouse. I feel a flood of positive emotions anytime I think of my firefighting partners, even when the events occurred months or years ago.

Controlled fear experiences artificially create similar opportunities for bonding. Exposure to stress triggers not only the fight-or-flight response, but in many situations it also initiates what psychologists call the “tend-and-befriend” system. A perceived threat prompts humans to tend to offspring and create social-emotional bonds for protection and comfort. This system is largely regulated by the so-called “love hormone” oxytocin.

The tend-and-befriend reaction is particularly likely when you experience stress around others with whom you have already established positive social connections. When you encounter stressors within your social network, your oxytocin levels rise to initiate social coping strategies. As a result, when you navigate a recreational fear experience like a haunted house with friends, you are setting the emotional stage to feel bonded with the people beside you.

Sitting in the dark with friends while you watch a scary movie or navigating a haunted corn maze with a date is good for your health, in that it helps you strengthen those social connections.

An ounce of prevention = a pound of cure

Controlled fear experiences can also be a way for you to prepare for the worst. Think of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the films “Contagion” and “Outbreak” trended on streaming platforms as people around the world sheltered at home. By watching threat scenarios play out in controlled ways through media, you can learn about your fears and emotionally prepare for future threats.

For example, researchers at Aarhus University’s Recreational Fear Lab in Denmark demonstrated in one study that people who regularly consumed horror media were more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic than nonhorror fans. The scientists suggest that this resilience might be a result of a kind of training these fans went through – they practiced coping with the fear and anxiety provoked by their preferred form of entertainment. As a result, they were better prepared to manage the real fear triggered by the pandemic.

When I’m not teaching, I’m an avid reader of crime fiction. I also write psychological thrillers under the pen name Sarah K. Stephens. As both a reader and writer, I notice similar themes in the books I am drawn to, all of which tie into my own deep-rooted fears: mothers who fail their children somehow, women manipulated into subservience, lots of misogynist antagonists.

I enjoy writing and reading about my fears – and seeing the bad guys get their just desserts in the end – because it offers a way for me to control the story. Consuming these narratives lets me mentally rehearse how I would handle these kinds of circumstances if any were to manifest in my real life.

Survive and thrive

In the case of controlled fear experiences, scaring yourself is a pivotal technique to help you survive and adapt in a frightening world. By eliciting powerful, positive emotions, strengthening social networks and preparing you for your worst fears, you’re better able to embrace each day to its fullest.

So the next time you’re choosing between an upbeat comedy and a creepy thriller for your movie night, pick the dark side – it’s good for your health.

Sarah Kollat, Teaching Professor of Psychology, Penn State

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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