MA Flu Activity Reaches New Levels

The flu is reaching levels rarely recently seen across Massachusetts and the nation, according to new data released Friday by the Center for Disease Control. All states except Hawaii are reporting widespread flu activity, and Massachusetts is one of 39 states to report a "high" level influenza-like illnesses. This marks the first time this flu season Massachusetts has been one of the states ranking "high," a change from "moderate."

The number of flu-associated pediatric deaths nationwide rose to 37 for this 2017-18 flu season. CDC officials said that number could be closer to 150 by the time the season ends. According to CDC numbers, no such deaths have been reported in New England this flu season, with data beginning Oct. 1, 2017.

Massachusetts has already seen flu-related fatalities in 2018. A 51-year-old Needham mother of two and a 68-year-old beloved music teacher died this month due to complications from the flu.

As you can see in the image below, the Massachusetts flu season got off to a much quicker and potent start this season than in recent ones, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The Massachusetts Department of Health also broke down which areas have the highest percentage of influenza-like illnesses. This isn't always necessarily the flu, but any illness where someone has greater than a 100-degree temperature and a sore throat or cough.

The state health department said Friday this week's boost in flu-related activity is "an indication that flu season is not over yet – and that there is still plenty of reason to get a flu shot if you haven’t done so already." To see more information on the flu in Massachusetts, visit the state's health department.