Flu Reaches Epidemic Levels, Cases Spike in Massachusetts

Going out in public? Keep your hand sanitizer with you and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Flu season is particularly nasty this year.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 43 states are experiencing high or widespread cases of the flu.

Massachusetts has seen 193 cases of the flu so far this season, according to WCVB News, up from just 46 cases reported by Dec. 13. Those cases included a 23-year-old man from Boston who had underlying health concerns and passed away from flu complications on Jan. 4. He was the city’s first death from the flu this season.

The CDC expects we’re about halfway through this flu season.

Not even those who made their way to health clinics for their yearly flu shot can feel safe from the virus this year. The CDC reports this year’s vaccination is a bad match for the strain. Though it will protect against certain strains of the influenza virus, the vaccine will not be completely effective against the strain making rounds this season.

Health officials around the state are urging residents to protect themselves against the flu, following simple tips like covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze and washing your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.

>>Also Read: Two Most Important Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu This Winter

For those already hospitalized or at high risk for complications from the flu, the CDC encourages doctors to prescribe antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. CDC research indicates doctors currently prescribe antiviral medication to one out of five patients at high risk for flu complications.

That number is way too low, the CDC said, as all patients at risk for complications from the flu should be getting antiviral medication.

image via shutterstock

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