The flu hospitalization rate in the U.S. is at the highest level for this time of year since the 2010 season, according to an update<\/a> published Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/p>\n Positive flu tests, emergency room visits and hospitalizations have been increasing since late August and early September, the CDC data shows.<\/p>\n The rate of hospitalizations for this week, while still low, is at its highest level since the 2009-10 season, during the H1N1 “swine flu” pandemic.<\/p>\n Adults above age 65 have the highest rate of hospitalizations followed by adults ages 50-64 and children ages 0-4.\u00a0<\/p>\n Louisiana and Hawaii are reporting “moderate” levels of activity while the remaining states are reporting “low” or “minimal” activity.<\/p>\n This undated stock photo shows the entrance to a hospital emergency room.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n STOCK PHOTO\/Getty Images<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Despite flu activity increasing in various parts of the country, it still remains relatively low throughout the U.S.<\/p>\n Flu viruses constantly change and the CDC is tracking any notable mutations that may have an impact on illnesses.<\/p>\n “It is too early to know what viruses may predominate or to say whether there might be implications [for] flu vaccine effectiveness this season,”\u00a0the CDC says.<\/p>\n Data from Walgreens suggest that flu activity is tracking about four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons.<\/p>\n States with some of the highest levels currently include California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington, according to the pharmacy company’s data.<\/p>\n Walgreens uses data including tests, prescription antivirals and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends to predict activity.<\/p>\n The sale of common cold and flu products is up 17%, cough drops up 13%, tea bags up 18%, and at-home COVID and flu tests up 11% year over year.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i.abcnewsfe.com\/a\/b99764ea-fa2d-47a9-bea7-eee514208c0c\/GTY_emergency_room_jt_160703_hpMain_1.jpg?w=375)
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