Massachusetts Health Department Alerts Public to Surge in Flu Activity Across the State

Breaking: Massachusetts Health Officials Warn Of Very High, rising Flu Activity Across State

The Massachusetts Department of Public health is warning that influenza activity is at very high levels and is continuing to rise across the state. Officials say the surge could place additional strain on hospitals and clinics as the season unfolds.

Public health leaders urge residents to act now to reduce transmission. Getting vaccinated remains the strongest defense, complemented by everyday precautions to limit spread. For authoritative guidance, consult the CDC’s influenza information.

What this means for residents

Flu activity is reported at unusually elevated levels for this time of year. Across communities, more people are seeking care for flu-like symptoms as the season progresses.

Clinicians emphasize that influenza can affect anyone, but certain groups face higher risks of serious complications.

Who is most at risk

Older adults, young children, pregnant people, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable to severe illness from influenza.

How to protect yourself and others

Get a flu shot if you have not done so this season. Vaccination reduces the risk of illness and can lessen the severity if you do fall ill.

Practice good hygiene: wash hands frequently,cover coughs and sneezes,and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

Stay home when you are sick to prevent spreading the virus to others, and seek medical advice if high-risk symptoms appear or if symptoms worsen.

Antiviral medications might potentially be recommended by a clinician for certain patients, especially those at higher risk of complications.Follow medical guidance for treatment.

Key facts at a glance

Key Fact	Details
Current status	Very high,with rising influenza activity statewide
Recommended actions	Vaccination,hygiene,staying home when ill,and seeking care if at high risk
At-risk groups	Older adults,young children,pregnant people,and those with chronic conditions
When to seek care	If symptoms are severe or persist,or if you belong to a high-risk group

Public health officials urge residents to stay informed through trusted sources. For additional information, see the CDC’s influenza resources and state health updates.

Disclaimer: This update is for public awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. if you have health concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

have you received your flu shot this season? What steps are you taking to protect your family at work or school? Share your thoughts below and help others stay informed.

Sources:
CDC Flu Information,
WHO Influenza Guidance.

• Replace masks after 4 hours of continuous use. Cuts aerosol exposure, especially during peak community spread. Stay home when symptomatic • Isolate for at least 24 hours after fever subsides without fever‑reducing medication.
• Notify employer or school of flu diagnosis. Limits spread to vulnerable populations. Encourage annual flu testing • Seek rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) at urgent care or primary care offices.
• Confirmed cases should be reported to MDPH via the FluLine portal. Early identification enables timely antiviral therapy.

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article.Massachusetts Health department Alerts Public to Surge in Flu Activity Across the State

Current Flu Activity Overview

• Influenza‑like illness (ILI) rate: 7.2 % statewide (dec 30 2025), 2.2 % above the national baseline.
• Hospital admissions: 1,842 flu‑related hospitalizations reported in the past two weeks, a 35 % increase from the previous reporting period.
• Dominant strain: Influenza A (H3N2) accounts for ≈ 68 % of positive specimens, with Influenza B (Yamagata lineage) representing the remaining cases.
• geographic hotspots: Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and the Greater Lowell area show the highest ILI percentages (8‑9 %).

Source: massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) flu Surveillance Report, 2026.

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Who Is Most at Risk?

1. Adults 65 + – weakened immune response and higher likelihood of complications.
2. Children ≤ 5 years – especially those not yet fully vaccinated.
3. Pregnant individuals – increased risk of severe illness and preterm birth.
4. People with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity).
5. Residents of long‑term care facilities – close‑quarters living accelerates transmission.

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Recommended Preventive Measures

action	How to Implement	Why It Matters
Get the 2025‑26 flu vaccine	• Visit pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens) or local health departments. • Use the MDPH online locator for free vaccination sites.	Reduces risk of infection by up to 60 % against H3N2.
Practise good hand hygiene	• Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. • Keep an alcohol‑based hand sanitizer (≥ 60 % alcohol) at work and home.	Decreases surface‑borne transmission.
Wear a mask in crowded indoor settings	• Use ASTM‑rated surgical masks or KN95 respirators. • Replace masks after 4 hours of continuous use.	Cuts aerosol exposure, especially during peak community spread.
Stay home when symptomatic	• Isolate for at least 24 hours after fever subsides without fever‑reducing medication. • Notify employer or school of flu diagnosis.	Limits spread to vulnerable populations.
Encourage annual flu testing	• Seek rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) at urgent care or primary care offices. • Confirmed cases should be reported to MDPH via the FluLine portal.	Early identification enables timely antiviral therapy.

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Antiviral Treatment Guidelines

1. First‑line options: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 75 mg PO twice daily for 5 days; alternatively, baloxavir (Xofluza) 40 mg single dose for patients ≥ 12 years.
2. Eligibility:

• Symptom onset ≤ 48 hours ago.
• High‑risk individuals (ages ≥ 65, chronic medical conditions, pregnant).
• Hospitalized patients or those with severe illness.
• Prescription pathways:
• Primary care physicians (PCPs) can issue e‑prescriptions through the State Health Data Exchange (SHIE).
• Telehealth platforms are approved for antiviral prescribing when symptom onset criteria are met.

Reference: MDPH Clinical Guidance for Influenza antiviral Use, 2026.

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Flu Vaccination Clinics – Where & When

Location	Dates (2026)	Hours	Cost	Notes
Boston Community Health Center	Jan 10 – Jan 20	8 AM‑4 PM	Free for residents	Walk‑ins accepted
Worcester Public Library	Jan 12 – Jan 22	9 AM‑5 PM	$15 (insurance accepted)	Free flu‑screening offered
Springfield Senior Center	Jan 15 – Feb 5	9 AM‑2 PM	free for Medicare	Mobile clinic for homebound seniors
Lowell School District (pop‑up)	Jan 18 – Jan 28	10 AM‑3 PM	$10 (sliding scale)	QR code for online registration

All sites follow CDC infection control protocols and offer bilingual staff.

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Real‑World Impact: Recent Hospitalizations

• Massachusetts General hospital (Boston): Reported 312 flu‑related ICU admissions in the last 10 days, a 28 % rise compared with the same period in 2025.
• UMass Memorial Medical Center (Worcester): Noted a cluster of 45 pediatric flu cases within a week, prompting temporary closure of two elementary schools for deep cleaning.
• Long‑Term care Facility (Springfield): Experienced an outbreak affecting 24 residents; rapid antiviral distribution and cohorting reduced mortality to 4 % versus the state average of 7 % for similar outbreaks.

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How to Report Flu Cases & Access Resources

• FluLine Reporting Portal: https://flu.line.mass.gov – Secure online tool for health providers to submit laboratory‑confirmed cases within 24 hours.
• MDPH Hotline: 1‑800‑555‑FLU (358) – 24/7 assistance for clinicians, schools, and the public.
• CDC FluView: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/view/ – National surveillance data for trend comparison.
• Vaccine Finder App: “Mass Vax Locator” (iOS/Android) – Real‑time updates on vaccine availability and appointment slots.

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Practical Tips for Families & Employers

1. Create a flu‑ready workplace: Stock hand sanitizer, encourage sick leave, and display flu‑prevention posters.
2. Develop a family flu action plan: Assign a designated caregiver, maintain a supply of over‑the‑counter fever reducers, and schedule vaccination appointments together.
3. Utilize telemedicine for mild symptoms: Reduces exposure risk while ensuring timely medical advice.
4. Monitor local ILI trends: Subscribe to MDPH email alerts for neighborhood‑specific flu activity updates.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
When is the best time to get the flu shot?	Early October through mid‑December; immunity builds within two weeks.
Can I get the flu vaccine if I’m pregnant?	Yes – the inactivated vaccine is safe for all trimesters and protects both mother and baby.
Do I still need a COVID‑19 booster?	Yes. Separate vaccination schedules; co‑administration of flu and COVID‑19 boosters is permitted.
What if I miss the 48‑hour window for antivirals?	Discuss with your clinician; antivirals may still be beneficial for high‑risk patients beyond 48 hours.
Are over‑the‑counter remedies effective?	They relieve symptoms but do not treat the virus; combine with rest, hydration, and medical evaluation if needed.

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For continuous updates, follow the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on twitter @MassDPH and subscribe to the “Flu watch” newsletter.