Flu cases are surging across Massachusetts. Have you gotten sick?

"Flu cases are surging across Massachusetts - and the spike has been fast and severe. State health officials say flu activity has reached " very high" levels, with cases and hospitalizations far exceeding what doctors typically expect for this point in the winter. In Boston alone, there were 581 confirmed flu cases last week, according to the Boston Public Health Commission, down from 687 the week prior."

"Hospitals and emergency departments are seeing waves of patients with high fevers and respiratory distress, and pediatric units are treating young children with serious complications, according to the Boston Globe. The season has also been deadly. Massachusetts has recorded 66 flu-related deaths, including four children statewide, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In Boston, two children under age 2 have died from the flu this season."

"In response, the City of Boston is opening a series of free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics, available to anyone 6 months or older, with no appointment required through the end of January. At the same time, doctors say declining flu vaccination rates are helping fuel the surge. Experts point to a mix of factors, including pandemic fatigue that has led to fewer routine health care visits, lingering vaccine skepticism following COVID-19,"

Flu activity in Massachusetts has reached very high levels, with cases and hospitalizations far above typical winter expectations. Boston reported 581 confirmed cases last week, and hospitals are treating waves of patients with high fevers, respiratory distress, and pediatric units are managing young children with serious complications. The season has caused 66 flu-related deaths statewide, including four children. Older adults and very young children are highest risk. The City of Boston is offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics for anyone six months and older through January. Declining vaccination rates, pandemic fatigue, and lingering vaccine skepticism are contributing to the surge. Physicians say vaccination reduces severe illness, hospitalization, and death and urge people to get vaccinated now.

Read at Boston.com