Flu cases dip in Mass. but remain 'very high'
The Boston Globe • • health
Key Points:
- Massachusetts is experiencing one of its worst flu seasons in recent memory, with flu-like illness cases slightly declining from just above 12% to just under 11% in early January, though activity remains very high in most New England states except Vermont.
- The flu has caused 66 deaths so far this season, including four pediatric deaths, which is double the number at the same time last year, with the dominant strain being influenza A H3N2 subclade K, which may partially evade immunity from vaccines or prior infections.
- Flu vaccination rates in Massachusetts are currently lower than last year, with about 35% of eligible residents vaccinated, despite evidence that the vaccine is 70-80% effective at preventing pediatric hospitalizations and
