BOSTON – While there have been 80-lab-confirmed flu cases in the Commonwealth since September, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health says today, Oct. 12, marks the start of the state’s flu surveillance monitoring and reporting for the 2018-2019 season.
Last year, there were more than 20,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu in the state, with the actual number much higher as most cases of influenza are not tested for confirmation.
Monitoring involves multiple surveillance methods including lab testing, voluntary reporting by health care providers on the proportion of patients presenting with influenza-like illness, and reports from emergency departments on flu-related hospitalizations, according to state officials who work collaboratively with those involved.
Officials called the 80 lab-confirmed flu cases reported during the last 42 days within the expected range for this time of year.
Flu viruses circulate all year but flu season generally starts around October and can extend into May, which was the case in Massachusetts during last year’s season that was severe nationwide.
Annual vaccine is recommended by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as state health officials and usually by the end of October.
Overall vaccine effectiveness was below the general range of 40 to 60 percent last year.
This year’s vaccines have been modified with an updated A (H3N2) virus as well as a change in a B virus.
“Last year’s flu season was among the most severe on record and getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and everyone around you,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, in a release.
“Although the flu vaccine won’t prevent every case of the flu, it’s still the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness.”
Everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated for flu, according to Bharel’s department. The only exceptions are people with a severe allergy to something in the vaccine.
Individuals at higher risk of serious health problems when they get the flu include pregnant women, infants, the elderly and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, neurological and neuromuscular conditions and weakened immune systems.
“We’re glad that Massachusetts flu vaccination rates among children and adolescents were among the highest in the country last season, at almost 75 percent,” said Dr. Larry Madoff, director of the state’s division of epidemiology and immunization.
“But vaccination for people of all ages is critical to reduce everyone’s risk of health care visits and hospitalizations due to the flu. Getting vaccinated also helps protect your friends, your family and your community.”
The most common symptoms of flu are fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired.
Nationwide, there were 180 pediatric deaths, including one in Massachusetts, from the flu last year and approximately 80 percent of those who died did not receive a flu vaccine.
There were higher rates of influenza-associated hospitalization during last year’s season.
Flu vaccination is said to reduce the risk of flu-associated death by half among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds among healthy children.
Flu vaccine is available across the state at multiple locations, including health care provider offices, pharmacies, school and workplace vaccination clinics, and flu vaccine clinics sponsored by local boards of health.
Holyoke Medical Center is hosting a free adult flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the HMC Auxiliary Conference Center.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Registration is required and quantities are limited. Call (413) 534-2533 to book an appointment.
Bharel’s department recommends people:
- Get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.
- Wash hands thoroughly and regularly, and use hand sanitizer when washing is not possible.
- Cover their coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home when they are sick with fever and cough or sore throat, and keep children home from school and daycare when sick.
- Contact their healthcare provider promptly if they think they have the flu, especially if they have health conditions that make them more likely to develop severe illness when sick with the flu. The provider may prescribe antiviral medications, which work best when started early in the course of illness.
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