A fifth child in Massachusetts has died from the flu this season, according to the state’s health department. This tragic development comes as influenza cases continue to increase rapidly across the nation.
Rising Cases and Fatalities
To date this season, data from Massachusetts indicates 107 adults have also died from the flu. Forty-five states, including Massachusetts, were reporting high to very high levels of flu activity at the end of the year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials anticipate a further rise in cases in the new year, driven by holiday gatherings and travel. Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, a senior infectious disease physician at Mass General Brigham in Boston, described the current trend to NBC News at the end of December, stating, “Just looking at the trajectory of the curve, it’s really a pretty sharp increase that we’re seeing, and it’s not anywhere close to peaking or leveling off.”
Despite the current surge, experts emphasize that it is not too late to receive a flu shot. While the current vaccine was not specifically designed to target the newest variant, doctors believe it will still offer protection against severe illness and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many deaths have been reported in Massachusetts this flu season?
To date this season, 107 adults and 5 children in Massachusetts have died from the flu, according to the state’s health department.
What is the current flu activity level in the United States?
Forty-five states, including Massachusetts, were experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity at the end of the year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Is the flu vaccine effective against the current variant?
Experts say that while this season’s flu vaccine was not formulated specifically for the new variant, it will still help protect against more severe illness and death.
As the flu season progresses, will you consider taking additional preventative measures to protect yourself and your loved ones?
