MA DPH: Flu severity in Massachusetts increases

The flu is increasing in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, influenza severity for Massachusetts has increased from moderate to high this week.

The number of influenza positive laboratory tests reported to MDPH increased this week by 31% compared to last week. The number of influenza A and influenza B positive laboratory tests reported to MDPH increased by 23% and 37%, respectively, compared to last week.

The percentage of influenza-like illness visits for Massachusetts has also increased and is higher than the previous two years in the same week.

Overall influenza-like illness activity for Massachusetts remains high this week. The Inner Metro Boston region is reporting moderate ILI activity while all other regions are reporting high ILI activity. Influenza-like illness (ILI) is defined as fever above 100F in addition to either cough and/or sore throat. Many more people are infected with influenza than are tested for influenza.

The percent of influenza-associated hospitalizations in Massachusetts has increased in recent weeks, but remains lower than the previous two years in the same week.

All influenza strains that have been characterized in Massachusetts this season to date are covered by the current influenza vaccine, according to MDPH.

Last week Massachusetts saw the first pediatric death of this flu season.

Nationally, influenza-like illness activity remains elevated and influenza B is most common, however, during recent weeks approximately equal numbers of influenza B and influenza A have been reported.