CDC warns of early flu surge across U.S.

The CDC says hospitalizations, ER visits, and positive flu tests are all on the rise right now, and we're not even to November. And Fox News' Jonathan Seri has more on this from Atlanta. The flu hit early this year, and it's spreading rapidly. According to a CDC update, hospitalization rates are at their highest level for this time of year since 2010. Positive tests and ER visits are also on the rise, especially out west, and some say a new variant might be to blame for the flu's early arrival. This virus mutates so that it can evade immunity from previous years and previous infections. The early surge is threatening to overwhelm some doctors' offices and emergency rooms, leading experts to remind parents there are drugs available to fight respiratory illnesses, and not every sniffle needs a visit to the doctor. A lot of colds just need supportive care at home, so it's okay to do some of the over-the-counter cough medicines, things like that. But most doctors agree the best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends flu shots for every American six months or older. And doctors say now is the time to roll up your sleeves. It's here about a month early. We're telling folks that you really should go out and get the vaccine now. And if you have questions about vaccine safety, you can go to spreadthefacts.org to get all the latest data. For the last two flu seasons, we've had hundreds of children die from flu. And most of these, 90% of these children who died had not been vaccinated. So a flu vaccine can save your life. Walgreens says cold and flu medicine sales are up about 22% from last year. In Atlanta, Jonathan Seri, Fox News.