Overview
- A child who died in the first week of February became Massachusetts' seventh pediatric flu fatality, as seven adult deaths that week brought the state’s season total to 260.
- The CDC reports 66 pediatric flu deaths nationwide so far this season, and about 90% of those children had not received a flu shot.
- Federal estimates put the U.S. flu burden at roughly 23 million illnesses, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths, with activity still elevated and Massachusetts at a moderate level.
- H3N2 subclade K remains the dominant strain as influenza B rises in many regions, with vaccination still offering protection against severe outcomes despite a reduced match.
- Health officials recommend vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, basic precautions for vulnerable people, and prompt antiviral treatment within 48 hours, with Tamiflu considered safe even for very young infants.