• Influenza percent positivity in Orange County has risen steadily since August.
• Percent of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness have nearly doubled since the start of September.
• Overall influenza activity is rising much earlier this year compared to prior seasons, when increases usually began in October or November.
• OC Health Care Agency has issued an updated Health Officer Order requiring annual influenza immunizations for healthcare workers each respiratory virus season.

California, in coordination with the West Coast Health Alliance, issued immunization recommendations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease, and COVID-19 (PDF)​ for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season. Providers should offer immunizations (influenza, RSV, COVID-19) and encourage testing to all eligible persons, with emphasis on infants and young chi​ldren, older adults, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals, those with chronic conditions, residents of skilled nursing facilities, and congregate settings, and healthcare personnel.

• OC Health Care Agency - Seasonal Respiratory Viruses
• California Department of Public - California Respiratory Virus Dashboard​
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Flu View

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