WASHINGTON — Health experts are warning that the federal government shutdown could make it harder to track the spread of viruses just as the U.S. braces for what could be an early and severe flu season.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Nabha says now is the time to get vaccinated.

“It could be a risk that we will also see flu rates high early on in the season, just like we’re seeing globally,” Nabha said.

Countries like Japan have already seen early and intense flu outbreaks this year, a trend that could foreshadow what’s to come in the U.S. Flu activity typically climbs in November and peaks in mid-winter, but experts say cases could start rising sooner this season.

“Many individuals may be at risk because they haven’t gotten their flu vaccine yet,” Nabha said.

She added tha

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