"Boston public health officials are warning of an earlier flu surge this season, reporting a dramatic 114% spike in cases just days before Christmas. Flu-related trips to the emergency room have also increased 44% in recent days, and the rate of infection is increasing most rapidly among children, the Boston Public Health Commission said in a press release Tuesday. The city's flu surge is happening about a month earlier this year, health officials said; last flu season, Boston didn't hit these case numbers until January."
"Although the Public Health Commission has vaccinated more than 2,500 people across 27 free vaccination clinics to date, only 30% of Boston residents had received their flu shot as of Dec. 6, according to the press release. Ojikutu said health officials will be hosting additional clinics throughout Boston in January. The Public Health Commission also advised hand washing, masking, and staying home when sick to help cut down on the spread."
Boston is experiencing a flu surge about a month earlier than last season, with a 114% spike in cases just days before Christmas and a 44% increase in flu-related ER visits. Infection rates are rising most rapidly among children. Officials urge annual flu vaccination, especially for children and high-risk adults, and note that more than 2,500 people received vaccines across 27 free clinics while only 30% of residents were vaccinated as of Dec. 6. Additional clinics are planned in January. Public health advice includes hand washing, masking, and staying home when sick. State data show influenza-like illness levels are high or very high.
Read at Boston.com
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