Number of flu cases continues to climb

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) The Department of Public Health's latest flu numbers suggest we're in for a bad winter.

A graph released on Thursday shows that the percentage of Influenza cases reported in the final days of December 2012 is more than double the percentage reported at the same time in 2011 and 2010.

Dr. Gwenn O'Keeffe, CEO of Pediatrics Now, joined the FOX 25 News on Friday to discuss the exceptionally high numbers.

Dr. O'Keeffe says that a bad flu season happens every few years and that the population was due up for one with such a mild flu season last year. She says the flu season will last until March or April and it is not too late for people who have not received the flu vaccine to receive it.

The DPH also shared these tips for preventing illness on their website:

1) Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.

2) Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

3) Stay home if you are sick.

For more information about the flu, visit the DPH website www.mass.gov/flu

Cox Media Group