Have you been Vaccinated ?

Have you been Vaccinated yet?

The last week in December saw 220 confirmed cases of influenza A across the commonwealth — a 44 percent increase — bringing the flu season total to 502, according to the state Department of Public Health. The DPH website reported the less severe influenza B jumped 69 cases to 177 to date.

We heard from Mike Leary who is with Berkshire Medical Center who emailed us this information to pass along.

Due to widespread flu across Massachusetts, visitor restrictions are in place for Berkshire Medical Center, Fairview Hospital and the Hillcrest and North Adams Campuses of BMC. Individuals should not visit patients if they are: under 18 years of age, or if they are ill or having flu or flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, cough or fatigue)

The Berkshire Eagle reports that locally, Berkshire Health Systems has confirmed more than 50 cases combined of influenza A and B over the past two months with 20 patients suffering from the flu admitted to Berkshire Medical Center during that time, BHS officials said Wednesday.

BHS officials noted flu shots are still available across the region through primary care physician offices and pharmacies.