Flu Activity Rises Earlier Than in Recent Post-Pandemic Years in Central California

Fresno Visalia, CA, October 15, 2026 —

Flu activity is increasing in Central California, with the rise beginning earlier than it did in previous post-pandemic years, according to the available trend summary. Health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as flu test positivity rates increase in the region.

The summary does not provide specific positivity rates, the dates covered by the reported increase, or the counties included in Central California. It also does not identify the health officials or agencies making the vaccination recommendation. No details were provided about hospitalizations, severe illness, or the number of people who have sought testing.

The reported rise in test positivity is the indicator cited in the summary. It signals that a greater share of flu tests in the region are returning positive, but no figures were supplied to show the size or pace of the change. The comparison is with previous post-pandemic years; the summary does not specify which years or how much earlier activity has started.

Officials’ stated guidance is for residents to get vaccinated. The trend summary does not include further information about vaccine availability, eligibility, or local vaccination rates. It also does not provide a forecast for how flu activity may develop or say whether additional public health measures are planned.

As a result, the available information establishes an earlier seasonal increase and a vaccination recommendation, but leaves the scale and local distribution of the trend unclear. More detailed regional data and statements from the agencies monitoring flu activity were not included in the summary.

Story summarized from the original created by Danyelle Burke North on abc30.com, see more information here.

Media gallery