Mass. reports first flu-related deaths of children this season as cases spike
WBUR••general
Key Points:
- At least 30 people, including three children, have died from flu-related illnesses in Massachusetts this season amid "very high and rising" flu activity across the state.
- Hospitalizations due to the flu have surged earlier than last year, with the current spike occurring a month before the peak seen in the previous harsh flu season, which resulted in 470 deaths.
- Flu vaccination rates in Massachusetts have declined to about 34% this year, down from around 45% in the 2022-2023 season, prompting public health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated promptly.
- Infection rates are increasing most rapidly among children in Boston, with an 83% rise in cases among children under 5 and a 217% increase in older
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