Boston Flu Cases Surge

Between December 14 and 27, Boston experienced a dramatic rise of 126 percent in confirmed flu cases. Hospitalizations during this period also saw a troubling increase, tripling in number, while visits to emergency departments due to flu-related issues rose by 135 percent, according to local health officials.

Most hospitalizations have been among adults aged 65 and older, however, there’s been a notable rise—150 percent—in hospital stays for children under 5 in the past two weeks.

“We are very concerned about the severity of illness that we’ve noted amongst children this season,” remarked Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston’s public health commissioner, during a news conference on Tuesday.

Ojikutu noted that this year, twice as many children were hospitalized for flu compared to last year. Furthermore, hospitalizations for the under-5 age group have surpassed last year’s peak numbers.

As of December 31, state data indicated that 29 adults had died from the flu this season.

The Boston Public Health Commission is urging parents to vaccinate their children over six months old as soon as possible. To facilitate this, the city is opening six additional vaccination clinics, with the first set to operate from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday at City Hall, and officials confirmed that no appointments would be necessary.

“It is safe to vaccinate children as soon as they are eligible,” Ojikutu emphasized. “The flu vaccine is safe, effective, and it saves lives.”

Vaccination rates in Boston are lagging behind the state average, currently at 32.5 percent compared to 34 percent statewide, Ojikutu mentioned.

“Vaccination rates for the flu are low, and this is a problem, and it’s something that we’re working on,” she added.

She urged families to disregard misinformation regarding the safety of vaccines.

This year’s flu vaccine is thought to be mismatched with the prevailing strain, known as “subclade K” of influenza A H3N2. However, Ojikutu noted that the shot can still lessen the severity of illness and decrease hospitalization risks.

Parents should monitor their children for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent fever lasting several days, extreme tiredness, confusion, or decreased urination. If these symptoms are present, she advised bringing children to the emergency department for medical evaluation. Children aged 2 and younger, as well as those with underlying conditions like asthma or obesity, are particularly at risk for complications.

“Usually the flu presents as a mild illness in children,” Ojikutu said, “but it can be very dangerous and severe as it was in these two cases.”

As of December 27, the CDC has reported nine pediatric deaths related to the flu across the nation. They estimate that at least 5,000 individuals have died from flu this season, alongside a reported 11 million illnesses and 120,000 hospitalizations nationwide.

Last season, Massachusetts saw 470 flu-related deaths, an uptick from 251 during the 2023-2024 season.

Apart from vaccination, Ojikutu suggested avoiding crowded places when sick and wearing masks to help limit the flu’s spread.

Individuals at heightened risk of complications—including those aged 2 and younger, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health issues—should seek medical help if flu-like symptoms arise or if they have been exposed to someone with the flu. There are certain antiviral medications available that may help prevent severe illness.

On Monday, the federal Department of Health and Human Services reduced the number of vaccines recommended for children from 17 to 11.

Ojikutu expressed concern, stating, “There is no new data that was presented that led to the changes… This is political. It doesn’t feel responsible.”

She advised parents to seek guidance from reputable organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the Boston Public Health Commission instead.