BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Influenza cases are on the rise, as a new subvariant takes hold in the U.S.
According to the CDC, the variant “subclade K” has accounted for more than half of H3N2 flu cases genetically categorized by the agency. Having already taken root in countries like the U.K., Japan, and Canada, “subclade K” is believed to be the driving force behind rising cases in Mass.
The state’s influenza dashboard considers influenza-like illness (ILI) activity low in the southeast and minimal for the rest of the state. However, 0.4% of those in Bay State hospitals were there for flu-related illnesses, which is more than double the number of patients from the beginning of the month.
State health officials are encouraging residents to get the flu vaccine as cases continue to rise. WBZ’s James Rojas asked people whether they had gotten their shot already, or if they plan to get it at all.
“I got the flu shot. I’m ready, I’m prepared, and hopeful I don’t get sick,” said Amy, who lives in Greater Boston.
“I get the flu shot once every two years or every year, so it was my annual checkup, and she gave me the flu shot,” said Maria, who stays at a local shelter.
“I guess I’m focused and doing my thing and don’t really worry about it. I don’t take any flu shots. I don’t take any necessary precautions. I’ve been very fortunate. I think in the last 10 years, I might have had one day or two days where I didn’t feel well,” said David, a Maryland resident visiting Boston.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.