World Health Organization data indicate that influenza A viruses were by far the most common cause of illness in the Southern Hemisphere’s 2018 flu season, with subtype A (H1N1) pdm09 dominating overall.

Last flu season was deadliest since 1976, CDC says: The US saw about 80,000 deaths related to flu and complications from the illness last winter, the most since 1976, according to the CDC. Nearly all the deaths — 90% — were in people at least 65 years old.

Get flu shot by end of Oct., CDC advises: The CDC is calling for people ages 6 months and older to be vaccinated against seasonal flu by the end of October. Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for people to develop antibodies against influenza, they should receive the vaccine before the virus starts circulating nearby. Flu vaccination is the best way to protect those most at risk.