North Shore Communities Reporting Increase In Flu Cases

PEABODY, MA — At the Center School in Peabody, a teacher sent a note home to parents saying that there were seven kids absent from her class Thursday, with three of them having confirmed cases of the flu. In Salem, the school system's director of building services is putting together "an expedited disinfectant plan" after several cases of the flu among students and staff were confirmed. And in Facebook groups for other North Shore communities, there is loads of anecdotal evidence of an increase of flu cases.

In its weekly influenza report released Friday, the state's Department of Public Health said while influenza severity for Massachusetts was moderate this week, the percentage of influenza-like doctors' visits was higher than the previous two years for the same week. The good news? Influenza-related hospitalizations are down for the same week in each of the past two years.

But that's about the end of the good news in the report. In each of the past two years, the number of flu cases, as well as hospitalizations, ramped up in January and peaked in February. In other words, it's likely to get worse before it gets better.

DPH said strains detected so far in Massachusetts are covered by the current influenza vaccine. So if you got your flu shot, you're better protected than those who didn't. The DPH also recommends you take the following steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu:

• Get the flu shot if you haven't already. People who get the flu shot develop antibodies about two weeks after its administered, meaning you still have time to protect yourself against the exected peak in February.
• Wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or may be sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.