As flu cases surge across Massachusetts — reaching “very high” levels and killing at least 30 people so far this season — Marblehead public health leaders are urging residents to get vaccinated if they have not already. Officials cite two key factors fueling the spread: an unexpected new flu variant and lower vaccination rates.
“We continue to recommend and urge everyone 6 months of age and older to stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty told the Current Jan. 6. “Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe disease, including adults age 65 years and older, children between 6 months and 2 years old, people with chronic respiratory conditions or heart disease, individuals who are immunocompromised and people who are pregnant. Vaccination also helps protect family members, coworkers and others in the community who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.”
Board of Health member and family physician Dr. Amanda Ritvo agreed, adding in an email, “While this year’s flu vaccine appears to be a strain mismatch, early data from the UK show meaningful protection, with vaccine effectiveness reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations by approximately 72–75% in children and adolescents (<18) and 32–39% in adults.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 11 million people nationwide have had the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. At least a dozen children have died, including three in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that influenza accounted for 11.8% of all emergency room visits during the week ending Dec. 27, up from 7.6% the previous week. Children younger than 5 accounted for the largest share of those visits, followed by adults older than 80.
“Hospitals across Massachusetts are continuing to see high numbers of patients seeking care for respiratory illness, according to a DPH statement. “Each day last week, there were nearly 9,000 emergency department visits statewide, with approximately one-quarter of those related to acute respiratory illness, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Some regions in the state reported challenging hospital capacity levels exceeding 90% in medical-surgical units, largely related to influenza.”
More information on statewide flu data is available on the DPH website HERE.
While the state’s flu dashboard does not include data for individual communities, it shows that in Essex County, 10.4% of emergency room visits during the week ending Dec. 27 were flu related. That is slightly lower than the state figure.
Marblehead schools
Superintendent John Robidoux spoke about flu cases in Marblehead schools and referenced the district’s nurse Meaghan Kalpin: “Prior to the break, there was an influx of sickness across the district (as is typically the case at this time of year). Meaghan has sent out health notices when we see an uptick which generally advise parents/community members on ways to help mitigate colds, flu, stomach bug, etc. Our custodial staff spend extra time addressing touch surfaces and deeper cleaning as well during cold and flu season.”
Robidoux added: “Our ongoing advice is to practice good hygiene (handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes and staying away from others when symptomatic).”
Ritvo offered additional guidance, writing, “In addition to vaccination, standard preventive measures remain important, including frequent handwashing, avoid touching face, and staying home when sick to prevent transmission. Individuals at higher risk should also speak with their doctor about antiviral treatment if they test positive at home or if they are high risk and have a known exposure. For those at higher risk, I would also advise masking in public settings (my personal recommendation).”
COVID-19 and RSV cases are also circulating, but influenza is currently the most common, according to available data.
“This is a moment for clarity, urgency and action,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “These viruses are serious, dangerous and life-threatening. 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.”
The Current has reached out to Marblehead Pediatrics and North Shore Physicians Group to ask about flu cases in their practices.
To find a vaccination location, visit vaccinefinder.org.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
