Flu 2019-2020 Updates and Information

As of February 21st 2020, our estimated severity of influenza remains at high in Massachusetts. The Holbrook Board of Health will be providing updates as they come in. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us! 

• Influenza severity for Massachusetts has decreased from very high to high this week.
• The percentage of influenza-like illness visits for Massachusetts decreased compared to last week, but remains higher than the previous two years in the same week.
• Overall influenza-like illness activity for Massachusetts remains high this week. All regions are reporting high ILI activity.
• The percent of influenza-associated hospitalizations in Massachusetts decreased compared to last week, but remains elevated.
• In the 2019-2020 flu season, more influenza B than influenza A positive specimens have been reported by hospitals and outpatient facilities in Massachusetts.
• The number of influenza positive laboratory tests reported to MDPH decreased this week by 31% compared to last week. The number of influenza A and influenza B positive laboratory tests reported to MDPH decreased by 21% and 40%, respectively, compared to last week.
• Nationally, influenza-like illness activity remains elevated, and approximately equal numbers of influenza A and influenza B have been reported so far this season, with continued increases in influenza A in recent weeks.
• *****As of right now******All influenza strains that have been characterized in Massachusetts this season to date are covered by the current influenza vaccine. 

What are the symptoms of the flu? 

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms can also include body aches, headache, chills, runny nose and feeling very tired. Some people, especially young children, also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.

How can I prevent getting the flu?

Get flu vaccine every year as soon as it is available.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.  Throw tissues away and wash your hands.  Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Use household cleaners to clean things that are touched often, like door knobs, toys, and phones.
Avoid close physical contact with people who are sick.  Try to stay at least 3-6 feet from someone who is sick with the flu. 

Stay home from work and school if you get sick with a flu-like illness (fever with cough or sore throat) and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread. Stay at home until you have been free from fever for at least 24 hours after your last dose of fever-reducing medication (like Tylenol, Advil or Motrin). For most people this will mean staying at home for about 4 days.