Community Corner
18 Flu Deaths and Widespread Flu Cases
Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.
The Red Cross said there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from a more active flu season.
There have been 18 flu-related deaths in Massachusetts this season, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, as reported by WCVB, Channel 5.
Furthermore, the news report said the Infectious Disease Bureau for the Boston Health Department has a 10-time increase in reported cases in Boston than for all of last season.
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts.
How do you prevent the flu?
Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can:
How do you know if you have the virus?
Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children).
When should you call the doctor?
According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:
Did you get the flu or the flu shot? Tell us in the comments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.