Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJulia Musto in New YorkFriday 30 October 2026 16:03 GMT(AFP/Getty)Nearly 50 flu-related deaths were reported across the United States in the past week as flu activity surges more than two months earlier than usual.Most current cases are driven by the H1N1 strain, the virus behind the 2009 swine flu pandemic.Connecticut health officials reported six flu deaths among adults over age 55 since late September, marking an earlier start to the state's severe cases.Health experts confirm that this year's flu vaccine targets the active H1N1 variant and provides protection against severe illness and death.Health officials are urging Americans to get vaccinated immediately, as full protection takes about two weeks and they should do so before indoor holiday gatherings.In fullNearly 50 people have died across the US in recent days from flu as cases spike nationwideMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in