Flu is on the rise in Massachusetts, just as people are starting to gather for the holidays. Young people in the city of Boston are being hit particularly hard and much earlier than last flu season.
Massachusetts is seeing “high” flu activity for the first time this season, according to the Department of Public Health. Cases are up, and so on top of last-minute shopping, gift wrapping, and cooking, families are desperately trying to proactively protect the grandparents and baby cousins over Christmas.
Boston flu cases
On Tuesday, the city of Boston announced a 114% increase in recent flu cases, about a month earlier than the city saw this level of flu last season. The biggest jump in cases is among children, with kids under five seeing an 83% increase and those ages five to 17 experiencing a 217% surge.
In January, the Boston Public Health Commission will be scheduling free flu vaccination clinics.
Flu symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the U.S. since the season began, and 1,900 patients have died…