The current flu season in Massachusetts has led to the deaths of 29 adults and three children, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Monday.
There were almost 9,000 hospital visits a day last week in Massachusetts, the department said, around a quarter of which were related to respiratory viruses, including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.
In addition to the 32 flu deaths, officials are also looking into two possible COVID-19 deaths and a possible RSV death, all three in minors.
That death toll is about what it was at this time last season — 31 adults and two children — but the worst part of the flu season is imminent, and officials pointed to other troubling signs.
State health officials noted that in some parts of the state, medical-surgical units in hospitals are getting over 90% full due to a surge in flu cases, and they urged Massachusetts residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations.
“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. … Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community,” said Dr. Robbie Goldstein, the state’s public health commissioner.
Vaccination, health officials said, is especially necessary for people at greater risk of severe symptoms: adults over the age of 65, babies and toddlers ages 6 months through 2 years old, people with chronic respiratory or heart conditions, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people.
In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurers and are free for almost all adults. Children are covered through the state’s child immunization program.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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