Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
Boston health officials issue warning amid 114% spike in flu cases
The city’s flu surge is happening about a month earlier this year, health officials said.
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.
Health news:
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.
“Flu cases are on the rise in Boston, and we are urging residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory illnesses which can cause hospitalization and severe illness,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city’s public health commissioner.
Advertisement:
The city is urging residents to get their annual flu vaccine, particularly children and high-risk adults.
“Flu spreads easily during this time of the year when we gather together indoors,” Ojikutu said. “It is not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best tool we have to prevent serious illness.”
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.
Advertisement:
Tuesday’s warning came as seasonal flu activity continues to ramp up nationwide amid chatter about a new “super flu” variant. Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health indicates the level of influenza-like illness is “high” or “very high” throughout most of the state.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com