Just like the year’s first major snowfall, you can count on the flu to come every winter and do significant damage. But this year’s strain of Influenza, Subclade K, has hit especially hard. The flu has already caused more than 5,000 deaths nationally, including four Massachusetts children.
“It’s a tough flu season,” said Tim McDonald, the Director of Health and Human Services for the town of Needham. And the numbers tell the story. According to McDonald, there were 26 lab-confirmed cases of the flu in December of 2024. This December, there were 181 cases. “And,” said McDonald, “there are more gastrointestinal symptoms this year.”
Needham works closely with three nearby towns on health issues — Medfield, Dover and Sherborn — and their numbers have all gone up over last year as well, said McDonald.
So, if you know people who have gotten the flu and it’s been bad, you’re not alone. Even McDonald said he has a couple of friends who have gotten it and it “really ran them down.”
Casey Staples, who is 23 years old and considers herself healthy, is the care coordinator at Elliot Physical Therapy in Needham. She came down with the flu during New Year’s week and was out of work for several days. “It was horrible, the worst I’ve had in a really long time. I had fever, headache, cough, runny and stuffy nose … and some gastro issues the first day. I had a fever for three days, which is a long time for me.”
The state is seeing an uptick in visits to hospital emergency rooms. According to the state Department of Public Health, the share of visits that resulted in hospitalizations for influenza rose to 9 percent, nearly double from the previous week.
McDonald said the recently revised recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for flu vaccines seems to have confused some people. The CDC withdrew its recommendation that children get universally vaccinated for influenza and is now suggesting people just follow the advice of their doctor.
In addition, the latest vaccination numbers are down nationally and, while Needham’s numbers are up from last year, only 54 percent of Needham residents have gotten the flu shot this season.
Also, since the current vaccine was manufactured before the Subclade K strain developed, its efficacy is being questioned. McDonald said the vaccine may not be a perfect match but it can still help mitigate the effects of the flu not only for yourself, but friends and loved ones in your circle.
“The Needham Public Health Division still has flu doses (both regular and high dose) available,” said McDonald. Local pharmacies also have it in stock. The Health Division offers home visits to deliver vaccines to those who are homebound. (781-455-7940 ext.742170)
In the meantime, prevention is key. “Wash your hands, stay home when you are sick, and consider wearing a mask if part of a larger gathering” is the key message from the Needham Health Department. It’s a warning that has taken on a more urgent tone given the severity of this year’s flu strain. As Staples said, “Do the best to protect yourself.”
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