MA Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads

Massachusetts health officials warned Tuesday that flu cases are rising across the state. The warning comes just as holiday travel and activities begin.

State data shows as of the week ending Nov. 16, there were 0.4% of hospitalizations associated with influenza, more than double from the start of the month.

Related: New Flu Mutation Causes Severe Illness: See Latest MA Data

State health officials are also worried about a new flu variant called subclade K, which they believe is driving up cases across the nation and other countries, including the U.K. and Canada. There were 450 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22, up from 251 the week prior.

State health officials said the flu vaccine remains the most effective way to avoid serious influenza illness, preventing an estimated 240,000 hospitalizations, most in adults aged 65 years and older, and likely preventing the season from being even more severe.

See also: Gov. Healey Slams Trump, RFK Jr. As MA Calls For COVID-19 Vaccines For All Over 6 Months

“Getting vaccinated not only minimizes the impact of viruses on you, but also protects those in your family and in your community whose medical issues make them more vulnerable to getting sick,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah. “By getting vaccinated you are also supporting our health care workforce, as more severe illness from these viruses leads to a greater strain on our emergency rooms and hospitals."

The flu hit Massachusetts hard last season. There were 465 influenza related deaths last season, compared to four so far this season and 251 in 2023-2024.

See also: MA No. 1 In The Country For This Health Measure, New Study Says

Health officials continue to stress the basics to protect yourself against the flu:

• Get a flu shot (anyone 6 months and older)
• Stay home when sick
• Properly covering coughs and sneezes
• Washing hands frequently and improving indoor ventilation

For more information about statewide influenza trends, vaccine coverage and how to stay protected throughout the season, visit the state's flu prevention and vaccine information page.

See also: ‘Razor Blade’ COVID-19 Variant Stratus Drives Up Cases In MA