BOSTON (Massachusetts, US), Jan 6 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Three children have died of flu-related illness in recent weeks as Massachusetts health officials warn of a spike in cases early in the season.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the three pediatric deaths and 29 adult deaths so far this season. Health officials say this is a very early onset flu season – usually we see a spike in January or February.
Cases of RSV and COVID-19 remain low for now, according to DPH data. Health officials urge the public to take preventative measures to avoid getting seriously ill, including getting vaccinated if you have not already done so.
“These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening,” Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a media statement. “We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines. They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”
DPH warns that hospitals are extremely busy and some have reported capacity levels exceeding 90% in medical-surgical units, largely related to flu cases.
Symptoms of the flu include high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and congestion. If you are feeling sick, stay home to avoid spreading the illness. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are available by prescription and can help reduce your chances of serious illness. — NNN-AGENCIES