The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu season is coming early and it's hitting hard.  The health organization says the flu is widespread in 29 of 54 states and territories they track, but was widespread in only four at this time last year.  Federal health officials warned earlier much of the influenza virus in the U.S. has mutated and this year's vaccine doesn't provide much protection.  Pregnant women and the elderly are especially vulnerable and eleven children have died so far this year.