Health officials ‘still being vigilant’ as flu surge slows

An early-season surge of flu cases is showing signs of easing, according to new Acton data. 

Public health officials say it’s no time to relax precautions, though, and are still urging people to get vaccinated. 

“We’re still being vigilant and making sure we’re keeping up with the flu education,” Public Health Nurse Katie Stanislawzyk told the Board of Health.

Flu cases in town spiked through December and reached their peak so far this season during the week of December 28, with 33 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases. 

Updated figures showed just six new cases during the week of January 15-21. 

These numbers are almost certainly an undercount, experts say, because they include only those who seek medical attention. The statistics still help officials see where the season is heading.

“We are seeing that kind of downward trend of flu cases, which is great,” Stanislawzyk said.

Although case counts are down, Stanislawzyk warned they could rebound. 

This year’s flu vaccine isn’t an ideal match for the strain that’s circulating, but “it’s still a good idea to do it,” Board of Health member David Ropeik said after Stanislawzyk noted its effectiveness at protecting the vaccinated against severe symptoms during the panel’s January 22 meeting.

Influenza in Acton

Week | Suspected, probable, or confirmed cases

December 1 – 6 | 4

December 7 – 13 | 6

December 14 – 20 | 17

December 21 – 27 | 27

December 28 – January 6 | 33

January 7 – 14 | 15

January 15 – 21 | 6

Influenza rates jumped across Massachusetts, prompting early January warnings from public health officials.

Just under 11% of hospitalizations statewide during the week of December 28 were related to influenza, according to the Department of Public Health. At its peak, last year’s flu season had a similar hospitalization rate of 10.5%.

Though on par with 2025-26, these rates are much higher than in other recent flu seasons. The 2022-23 cycle peaked at just over 6% of hospitalizations. The 2022-23 peak was about 4%. 

New data shows Emerson Hospital’s emergency department treated 67 patients for respiratory illnesses, including influenza, through the first two weeks of January. The hospital had 69 patients during the same span a year earlier. 

As flu season continues, urgent care centers and primary care doctors can help handle mild symptoms. Emerson officials say people should head to the emergency room or call 911 if they have serious symptoms, such as severe difficulty breathing or sudden or severe chest pain.