How to protect yourself against the flu wave gripping Mass. – The Boston Globe

Massachusetts residents are in the midst of what some public health officials are calling a “tsunami” of flu infections.Residents are reporting flu symptoms at higher rates than any winter peak since the pandemic, according to state data. Many other states are seeing high rates as well.Public health experts say there are ways to protect yourself and those around you from contracting and spreading the flu. Here’s how.Getting vaccinated is one key way to reduce the chances of contracting the flu and mitigate against any complications that may arise should one get sick from the flu, health officials say.“Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important action in reducing your risk of flu and its potentially serious outcomes.”AdvertisementThis season, the CDC said the vaccine is designed to protect people against three strains of influenza.The rise in flu cases in Massachusetts coincides with a drop in the number of people who have received their shots; 38 percent have gotten vaccinated, down from 45 percent in 2021.Doctors recommend that people get their shots in the fall, ahead of the flu-heavy winter months. But health experts say it’s not too late to get one now since the current outbreak may take several weeks to subside.“Flu vaccination also has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick,” the CDC said.The Massachusetts Department of Health suggests people use the website vaccines.gov to find a place that can provide the vaccination.Besides getting vaccinated, there are other steps to reduce the risk of getting sick.Washing your hands is key to keeping germs at bay and stopping their spread to others, the state Department of Public Health said. Even simple actions like pressing an elevator button or touching something on the bus or subway can spread germs.“Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol,” the state’s health department said.AdvertisementCovering one’s mouth when sneezing or coughing will also go a long way toward slowing the spread of the flu, specialists said.“Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands,” the health department recommends.Cleaning surfaces that tend to be touched a lot is another way to help protect yourself from getting sick, and being in a place with clean air can also be helpful, according to the CDC.The CDC also advises people to wear a mask if possible as a way to prevent getting sick or spreading the virus to others.“When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others,” the CDC said. “Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.”Avoiding those who are sick is also important, while those who have contracted the flu should avoid being around others.“For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours until both are true: your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication),” the agency said.If you or a loved one gets sick, reach out to your doctor for antiviral medication.“If you have flu-like symptoms — fever, cough, sore throat, shaking chills, muscle aches — and you feel like a cold hit you like a truck, that’s when we treat people for flu without them needing a test,” said Dr. Paul Sax, clinical director of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “The earlier [antiviral medication] is started, the more effective it is.”AdvertisementMaterial from previous Globe stories was used in this report.Omar Mohammed can be reached at omar.mohammed@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter (X) @shurufu.Digital AccessHome DeliveryGift SubscriptionsLog InManage My AccountCustomer ServiceDelivery IssuesFeedbackNews TipsHelp & FAQsStaff ListAdvertiseNewslettersView the ePaperOrder Back IssuesNews in EducationSearch the ArchivesPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTerms of PurchaseWork at Boston Globe MediaInternship ProgramCo-op ProgramDo Not Sell My Personal Information

Source: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/02/13/metro/protect-against-the-flu/