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BOSTON – While there have been 80-lab-confirmed flu boxes in the Commonwealth since September, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health says today, Oct. 12, marks the start of the state's monitoring and reporting for the 2018-2019 season.
Last year, there were more than 20,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza in the state, with most cases of influenza being not tested for confirmation.
Monitoring involves multiple monitoring methods including testing, voluntary reporting by health care providers, the presentation of influenza-like illnesses, and reports from influential health-related departments.
Officials called the 80 lab-confirmed flu cases reported during the last 42 days within the expected range for this time of year.
Flu viruses circulate all year round and are likely to last until May, which was the case in Massachusetts during last year's severe national season.
Annual vaccination is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health of Canadians by the end of October.
Overall vaccination was below the general range of 40 to 60 percent last year.
This year's vaccines have been modified with an updated A (H3N2) virus.
"Last year's flu season was one of the most severe and best known to protect you, your family, and everyone around you," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, in a release.
"Although the flu vaccine will not prevent any case, it is still the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness."
Everyone should be vaccinated for flu, according to Bharel's department. The only exceptions are people with a severe allergy to something in the vaccine.
Individuals at higher risk of serious health problems when they get pregnant, pregnant women, the elderly and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, neurological and neuromuscular conditions and weakened immune systems.
"We're glad that Massachusetts flu vaccination rates among children and adolescents were among the highest in the last season, at almost 75 percent," said Dr. Larry Madoff, director of the division's division of epidemiology and immunization.
"But vaccination is important to reduce the risk of getting sick and getting better with your loved ones, your family and your community."
The most common symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired.
Nationwide, there were 180 pediatric deaths, including one in Massachusetts, from the last year and 80 percent of those who did not receive flu vaccine.
There were higher rates of influenza-associated hospitalization during last year's season.
Flu vaccination is said to reduce the risk of high blood pressure in children with high blood pressure.
Flu vaccine is available at multiple locations, including health care provider offices, pharmacies, school and workplace immunization clinics, and local clinics.
Holyoke Medical Center is hosting a free adult flu clinic on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 am to 11 am in the HMC Auxiliary Conference Center.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Registration is required and quantities are limited. Call (413) 534-2533 to book an appointment.
Bharel's department recommends people:
- Get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
- Wash hands thoroughly and regularly when it is not possible.
- Cover their coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home when they are sick with fever and cough or sore throat, and keep children home from school and daycare when sick.
- Contact their healthcare provider promptly if they think they have the flu, especially if they have health conditions that make them more likely to develop illness when sick with flu. The provider may prescribe antiviral medications, which work when early in the course of illness.
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