Massachusetts, alongside its New England neighbors, is experiencing one of the most severe influenza seasons in recent years, despite a minor drop in cases observed over the past few weeks. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that the percentage of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms decreased from just above 12 percent during the week ending December 28, 2023, to just under 11 percent for the week ending January 3, 2024. Even with this decline, flu activity remains classified as “very high” throughout New England, with the exception of Vermont, where it is marked as “moderate,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Larry Madoff, the medical director for the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, cautioned that the recent decrease does not guarantee a continued decline. “Just because it’s fallen doesn’t mean it won’t go back up again,” he said. “It’s entirely possible, as we see in some seasons, that there’s a fall followed by another rise.”
The flu has already led to 66 deaths in Massachusetts this season, including four children. In contrast, this time last year, there were 33 fatalities. Dr. Dan Barouch, Director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, noted the concerning trend. “We haven’t seen many pediatric deaths in Massachusetts, thank goodness, for a while, but we are seeing them this year,” he remarked. “Overall, it’s shaping up to be a particularly bad flu season.”
Current Vaccination and Hospital Impacts
Experts suggest that the early spike in flu cases may be attributed to the dominant strain this season: influenza A H3N2, particularly a newer subclade known as subclade K. Dr. Barouch explained that this subclade contains eight amino acid mutations in the virus’s structure that the immune system recognizes. “It is believed that it will partially evade antibodies, either induced by the vaccine or previous infection,” he said.
Despite the ongoing flu season, health officials continue to advocate for vaccinations. According to data cited by Dr. Barouch from the United Kingdom, the current flu vaccine is estimated to be 70 to 80 percent effective in preventing pediatric hospitalizations and 30 to 40 percent effective in reducing adult hospitalizations. Vaccination rates in Massachusetts, however, are lower than in previous years, with nearly 35 percent of eligible residents receiving the flu shot, down from 37 percent at the same time last year.
The impact of the flu surge has been prominently felt in hospitals. UMass Memorial Medical Center reported that flu-related visits account for a substantial portion of its emergency department traffic. Since October, the hospital has recorded 2,615 positive flu cases, nearly double the number seen last season. Dr. Timothy Boardman, an emergency medicine physician at the hospital, stated, “We’re probably seeing close to 20 percent of emergency department cases related to influenza right now,” highlighting the strain on resources.
Preventive Measures and Treatment Options
Dr. Boardman noted that flu cases surged notably around the holiday season, with levels remaining consistently elevated into January. While last year’s flu season peaked later, the intensity appears comparable. Both Dr. Boardman and Dr. Madoff acknowledged that although influenza A cases may decline soon, another wave could emerge, often featuring influenza B later in the season.
Children under five and adults aged 65 and older are the most commonly affected populations, as both groups are particularly susceptible to severe complications. “Children have smaller airways and can develop breathing difficulties more quickly,” Dr. Boardman explained. “Older adults often have underlying conditions that make influenza more dangerous.”
Health officials emphasize that prevention and appropriate care are crucial. Basic measures such as regular handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when sick can significantly reduce transmission. While most flu cases can be managed at home or through urgent care, individuals experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or bluish discoloration of lips and fingers should seek emergency medical attention.
Dr. Madoff also stressed the importance of early treatment for high-risk individuals. “There are antiviral treatments for flu that can reduce severe complications and be life-saving,” he said. These treatments are vital in managing the flu’s impact, particularly as hospitals face increased pressure from rising case numbers.
For further inquiries, Aayushi Datta can be reached at [email protected].
