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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — This year's flu season in Massachusetts is on track to be one of the worst in decades.
So far there have been over 2,900 confirmed cases of influenza in the state this season, which is over four times as many cases during the same period last year.
Due to a sharp spike in reported cases in mid-December, the Department of Public Health has raised the influenza severity level from low to moderate.
The flu can spread rapidly and its severity can be unpredictable. Last year's season started mildly, but ended up causing around 49,000 flu-related deaths and 590,000 hospitalizations nationwide.
Health officials urge people to take precautions, get the flu vaccine, and stay home if sick to prevent the disease from spreading.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
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