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Flu cases rise in Massachusetts

E-mail|Link|Comments (7) Posted by Gideon Gil February 5, 2009 01:49 PM

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

The flu virus is beginning to move with greater velocity across Massachusetts, public health authorities warned today as they reported that the number of cases stands at its highest level so far this winter.

Based on the findings of a surveillance network of doctors, the incidence of flu cases in Massachusetts during the week ending Jan. 24 reached the "regional activity" level, meaning that cases were seen in some but not all parts of the state.

Two states, Delaware and Virginia, are at the highest level of flu activity, "widespread activity." All New England states, except for Vermont, are experiencing flu at the regional activity level, the next-highest level.

Because the flu season can stretch to April, disease specialists emphasized that it's not too late to get a flu shot, which can provide full protection within two weeks. This year's vaccine, unlike last year's, appears to be a good match with the predominant strain of the virus in circulation.

More information about the flu is available from the Department of Public Health.

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7 comments so far...

Gee, i wonder if everyone is getting the flu because we're all getting it voluntarily injected into us. I'll bet Vermont is the exception in NE because a lot of residents there probably don't get the shot. i know so many people who get the flu shot and then are sick almost all winter long. I'm not completely against vaccinations but the flu shot is BULL!

Posted by Trish Sommeling February 5, 09 02:42 PM

interesting....

Posted by Erin February 5, 09 02:54 PM

"Appears" to be a good match--lets keep our fingers crosses.

Posted by Glambake February 5, 09 03:42 PM

this just in:

Posted by Mark February 5, 09 08:28 PM

I've never gotten the flu shot and have never had the flu. Knock on wood, but year after year I hear of people getting the shot and then they are socked out all winter sick - maybe not with the flu but sick. I may reconsider if I ever get the flu but until then I'll take my chances. Eat right, exercise, get enough sleep probably does a body more good than a shot would.

Posted by Jennifer February 7, 09 05:48 PM

I never get the flu shot & I just got the flu.... so not sure about your VT theory - perhaps it's because in VT people are more widespread and don't spend as much time in close contact with others. Which might explain why in D.C. at the inauguration where so many people were packed in so close together why there would be a larger outbreak there this year? Just a thought ..... Next year, I'm getting the damn flu shot.

Posted by Tara February 9, 09 09:29 AM

Nothing worse - REALLY - than a bunch of uniformed nitwits spewing about something they obviously know nothing about.
1) You can't get the flu from the flu shot !!! Period.
2) The "flu shot" does not protect you from colds. That's why it's not called the "cold shot". Your friends who got sick are probably just exposed to more COLD viruses than you are. The flu shot does not weaken your immune system it boosts it - against the flu
3) If you do get the flu you will wish to God you got the flu shot. It's awful. I've heard pleanty say they would rather die than get the flu again. Just ask Tara !

Posted by Joe Shmoe February 19, 09 09:54 AM

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Elizabeth Cooney is a former health reporter for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, where she also was a business reporter and an editor. Earlier in her career, she edited medical books and journals at Little, Brown, and worked for Boston magazine.