Yesterday, we published a blog post about the serious flu situation in California. However other U.S. states are facing severe outbreaks. Massachusetts, in particular, is experiencing an alarming surge in flu cases, prompting urgent warnings from health officials.
Flu Cases in Massachusetts at Record Highs
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the state is seeing its highest number of flu cases in years. Last week, over 10% of all patient visits were related to flu symptoms. Flu-related hospitalizations account for nearly 7% of all hospital admissions, and the virus has already claimed at least 98 lives.
Medical professionals report they are seeing dozens of flu patients in urgent care facilities daily. The most common symptoms include severe body aches, fever, chills, cough, and sore throat—making it clear that this flu season is hitting hard.
Doctors Urge Vaccination to Reduce Risk
Flu vaccination rates for this season are low with only about 38% of Massachusetts residents immunized. The flu shot does not guarantee complete immunity; however, it does reduce the severity of symptoms and lowers the likelihood of hospitalization.
The most vulnerable groups include babies, young children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as asthma. Health officials are encouraging those not yet vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Flu season can last through April, meaning there is still time to protect yourself and those around you.
If people experience flu symptoms they should seek medical attention promptly. Antiviral treatment may be prescribed, which can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the illness when administered early.
Flu-Related Deaths Surpass COVID-19
This is a stark reminder of the flu’s impact. National statistics show that for the first time since COVID-19, more people have died from the flu than from COVID-19. The CDC reports that for the week ending January 25, nearly 1.7% of all deaths nationwide were flu-related, compared to 1.5% attributed to COVID-19.
Why Monitoring Your Temperature Is Crucial
Given influenza activity, it is imperative that individuals maintain a vigilant track of their health status. Fever is one of the earliest and most reliable indicators of flu. Regular temperature monitoring twice daily can effectively detect the onset of illness, enabling prompt treatment and mitigating the risk of complications.
Using an easy-to-use, reliable, and accurate thermometer—such as the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer —ensures you get precise readings without discomfort. This thermometer provides a quick and non-invasive way to track temperature changes, making it especially useful for families with children or elderly individuals who are at high risk.
Stay Vigilant and Take Action
Flu levels are dangerously high in Massachusetts. Taking proactive measures is key. Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and stay informed. Most importantly, monitor your
temperature regularly to catch symptoms early and seek medical attention if needed. By staying vigilant, you can protect yourself and those around you from the potentially severe consequences of the flu.
Source:
EXERGEN P/N 850386, Rev 1