A man receives a COVID and flu vaccine shot at Boston City Hall on Jan. 7, 2026. (Suzanne Kreiter/Globe staff)
As hospitalizations climb and Boston opens free vaccination clinics, we want to hear how this flu season is affecting you.
By Annie Jonas January 13, 2026 | 9:33 AM
Flu cases are surging across Massachusetts — and the spike has been fast and severe.
State health officials say flu activity has reached “very high” levels, with cases and hospitalizations far exceeding what doctors typically expect for this point in the winter.
In Boston alone, there were 581 confirmed flu cases last week, according to the Boston Public Health Commission, down from 687 the week prior. Hospitals and emergency departments are seeing waves of patients with high fevers and respiratory distress, and pediatric units are treating young children with serious complications, according to the Boston Globe.
The season has also been deadly. Massachusetts has recorded 66 flu-related deaths, including four children statewide, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In Boston, two children under age 2 have died from the flu this season. Health officials say older adults and very young children remain at the highest risk.
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