MA Flu Levels 'Very High' With 13 Deaths In 2 Weeks

Influenza-like illness visits are above baseline in the latest data and have risen in the last week.

During the week of Dec. 14, 7.46% of sentinel site visits were related to influenza-like illness which exceeds the regional baseline by 5.4% and was up from 4.52% the previous week, according to state data.

Related: MA Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads

The state also reported 13 influenza deaths in the weeks of Dec. 7 and 14. There were only seven previous deaths over the course of the year with no more than one in a week. There were nine the week of Dec. 7.

About a third of Massachusetts residents have been received the flu vaccine.

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new standing order last month authorizing qualified health personnel in local boards of health to administer the influenza vaccine to eligible individuals this respiratory virus season, based on DPH’s recommendations.

Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein spoke in a media release on the significance of getting vaccinated.

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

"This is especially important this year, as we anticipate rising flu activity and the potential for a significant surge," Goldstein said. "Getting vaccinated will reduce the burden of this easily transmitted and potentially dangerous respiratory disease across the state.”

Massachusetts emergency rooms typically see an increase in COVID-19, influenza and RSV rates during the holidays. This year’s flu season could be more serious due to a new Influenza H3N2 mutation known as “subclade K,” which is spreading in North America, including the United States.

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