Flu cases rising earlier in the season compared to last season

The flu season is ramping up following the holidays. TWIJ News reporter Claire Overton spoke with local experts on how you can stay healthy. According to the Massachusetts Department of Health, flu activity continues to stay very high in the state. The latest weekly data released December 31st shows an increase in flu-like illness doctor visits as well as hospitalizations. The flu is also making a strong appearance earlier in the flu season compared to last year. This graph from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health details the percentage of hospitalizations per week from the flu reported by emergency departments. The blue line represents this year. The latest information from December 21st showing a steep curve up to 9% of weekly hospitalizations were related to the flu. While the pink line represents last flu season 2024 to 25. It ramped up much later in the season with a peak on February 2nd with 10.5% of weekly hospitalizations associated with the flu. Before the new year, TWIJ News spoke with a nurse practitioner at the Pediatric Services of Springfield who said around 75% or more of their sick visits were the flu. Doctors across the state and the country urging their patients if they haven't already to consider getting a flu shot to help protect themselves. This year unfortunately it was about 30% effective in kind of keeping the flu from being contracted but it is seeing we are seeing a significant decrease in the symptoms for those kiddos and those adults who did have the flu shot. Currently in the state of Massachusetts there have been 30 flu deaths this season, 29 adults and one child. The flu season is from December until February so it is important to continue to practice healthy habits some of which include not only covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze but also thoroughly washing your hands, being physically active, drinking lots of fluids, getting plenty of sleep and eating nutritious foods. It is important to keep your body healthy so you have the best chance of fighting off illnesses. Working for you, Claire Overton, TWIJ News.