Cases rise due to strain and low vaccination
The Boston Globe••general
Key Points:
- Massachusetts is experiencing a severe flu season driven by a rapidly spreading influenza A H3N2 subclade K strain, decreased vaccination rates, and increased holiday travel, potentially extending the flu surge into spring.
- Flu-related healthcare visits and hospitalizations have sharply increased, with emergency room visits for influenza nearly tripling compared to last year, and flu hospitalizations expected to meet or surpass last season's peak.
- Vaccination rates in Massachusetts have dropped to about 34%, and the dominant flu strain is only a partial match to this year's vaccine, though health officials emphasize that vaccination still significantly reduces severe illness and death.
- Pediatric specialists report more severe flu complications in children, including rare conditions like acute necrotizing encephalopathy,
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