Flu season starts more active than past 3 years
Flu season is starting more active than the previous three years, as public health officials urge people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The percent of influenzalike illness visits in Massachusetts was 1.32% during the first week of October, which was the state Department of Public Health’s first weekly flu report of the 202122 season.
The 1.32% figure is higher than the same week in the previous three seasons. While the season is starting at a higher level, influenza severity for Massachusetts is considered low at this time.
Flu activity this season is predicted to be higher compared to last season when flu activity was uncharacteristically low due to COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as stay-at-home advisories and mask mandates.
“While we cannot predict the severity of this flu season, as in every season, flu vaccination remains the best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities against flu, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness and people with certain chronic health conditions,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke.
“For residents who are not vaccinated against COVID19 or need a booster shot, now is also a good time to get the COVID-19 vaccination,” Cooke added.
Weekly data will be reported every Friday on the severity of influenza-like illness, hospital visits and flurelated hospitalizations across Massachusetts.
Since the start of September, 37 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported in Massachusetts.
The percent of hospitalizations associated with influenza was 0.02% during the first week of October, which is comparable to the same week in the previous three seasons.
“A flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical director of the DPH Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. “Whether you are getting your first dose of a COVID19 vaccine or are eligible to receive a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to get a flu vaccine during the same visit.”