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If you thought you had a few more weeks left before worrying about flu season, think again.

Flu season is heating up early this year, and the numbers are hard to ignore. Flu activity is growing or likely growing in 39 states, and flu test positivity jumped up to 7.6% during the week ending October 28. At this time last year, it hadn’t even cracked 1%, according to the CDC .

With flu activity already on the rise, it might be wise to stock up on some cold-and-flu season essentials before the holiday shopping rush kicks in. Plenty of deals are already rolling in, from Emergen-C and rapid COVID-19 and flu tests to a few extra additions for your medicine cabinet.

One surprisingly popular and affordable find is Beekeeper’s Naturals Propolis Throat Spray , which retails for just $13 on Amazon .…