7 Healthcast: Mass. flu outbreak

Every year in this country, about 36-thousand people die and more than 2-hundred thousand are hospitalized with complications from the flu. Right now, the C.D.C. says Massachusetts is one area of the country experiencing a large outbreak.

Fever, muscle aches, chills, some symptoms of the flu. If you've been sidelined with the flu bug you're not alone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu season is in full swing affecting most of the country, with wide outbreaks in eleven states, including Massachusetts. While this month is a peak time, the flu season is far from over. It can last as late as May. The good news is it's not too late to get a flu shot, especially for people at risk for flu complications such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. It's also important to take precautions to stop the spread of the flu virus.

"If you're sick yourself then you need to be home," said Dr. Don Dillahunty.

"Good old hand washing is really great. Soap really kills a lot of germs, everything from bacteria, to even viruses, even flu viruses," said Dr. Paul Pepe.

You also want to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough to stop the flu virus from spreading, and unlike recent years the C.D.C. says there is plenty of flu vaccine available.

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