SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Influenza-like illness activity increased last week across Massachusetts, according to the state Department of Public Health’s weekly flu update, with one local doctor warning this may be only the tip of the iceberg.
Dr. John Kelley of Redwood Pediatrics in East Longmeadow said he treated four sick visits during one morning this week, with three of the four patients testing positive for influenza A. “Today I had four sick visits this morning, along with a lot of checkups, and three out of four of those had influenza A,” he explained.
Kelley noted that he is seeing more flu cases this week compared to recent years. Flu-like illness visits are up more than four percent in the Bay State when compared to last week, which is double the rate from the last week of November. The timing of the virus surge presents challenges for holiday gatherings, Kelley said. “Unfortunately, you might need to avoid a large family gathering if you’re not feeling well, especially if you have anyone that’s elderly in your family or immunocompromised,” he added…