Latest news with #Ojikutu
Boston Globe
26-02-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
This season's flu is more severe, leading to more ER visits, Boston health officials say
The increased severity has led to a surge in emergency room visits, Ojikutu said. Flu-related hospitalizations in the state also increased with the second wave, 'We are still concerned though, because we will likely continue to see flu cases well into April and potentially May,' she said, adding that increased ER visits have led to longer wait times. 'Many people have challenges reaching their primary care provider or they don't have a primary care provider, which is why people are going to the emergency department.' Advertisement Flu infections peaked in early January, then decreased. After cresting the first week of February, infections are down again, according to the 'This differs from last year, because it's a significantly higher number of cases than we usually see, and it's late in the season to see this number of cases,' Ojikutu said. During the week of Feb. 9, 10.22 percent of visits to doctors' offices across Massachusetts were related to flu-like symptoms, including a cough, sore throat and fever. Typically, during the peak of flu season, Advertisement Ojikutu said officials have noted 'a higher number of cases in working age individuals as well as individuals who are older and have other co-morbidities.' The increase in cases and severity could be linked to low vaccination numbers, officials said. The percentage of residents vaccinated for the flu is the lowest since the 2019 to 2020 season, 'Right now when we look at our vaccination data, it's not quite where we want it to be,' Ojikutu said, adding the state lags behind the national adult flu vaccination rate of She noted that while the flu can 'always cause severe illness,' people who are pregnant, have chronic health problems like diabetes and heart disease, or who are older than 65 or younger than 2 are at higher risk of complications. The highest rate of vaccination in the state is among people younger than 5 years old, at 45.7 percent, and older than 65, at over 70 percent. The lowest is 24.5 percent for people ages 20 to 34, According to Advertisement Ojikutu said it's not too late for people to get vaccinated, and 'We want more people to get vaccinated,' she said. 'Everyone ages 6 months and older should be vaccinated for influenza and COVID-19.' Emily Spatz can be reached at
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Significant decrease' in overdose deaths in Boston during part of 2024, health officials say
New data shows a 'significant decrease' in opioid-related overdose deaths from May to August 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023, city health officials said Wednesday. From May to August 2024, opioid-related overdose deaths among Boston residents were down 39% overall, Boston Public Health Commission officials said. The greatest decreases were seen among Black and Latinx residents, who saw a 56% and 28% decrease in overdose deaths, respectively, officials said. The new analysis is preliminary and represents only a portion of 2024, but city health officials called it an encouraging sign of progress. 'The use of evidence-based strategies, including increasing access to naloxone, decreasing substance use stigma, and expanding mobile outreach has played an integral part in continuing this promising trend,' Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu said in a statement. 'To maintain this momentum, it is imperative that we continue to provide our communities with resources, support, and education to make lasting progress in the fight against substance use and overdose,' Ojikutu said. According to the Commission's Live Long and Well population health equity agenda, unintentional drug overdose is the leading cause of early death in Boston, and it disproportionately impacts Black and Latinx communities. Black and Latinx residents account for 40% of Boston's total population, but from May to August 2024, they accounted for 52% of all overdose deaths. The Commission is also evaluating various factors that contribute to the decline in overdose deaths, such as increasing access to naloxone, a medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose, officials said. In 2024, the Health Commission distributed nearly 22,000 doses of naloxone across Boston. The Health Commission also launched a campaign to educate the public about ways to protect loved ones from overdose and granted $1 million in funding to five community organizations to distribute naloxone, provide overdose education, and link people to care. Recently, city officials installed four public health vending machines across the city and eight indoor naloxone distribution kiosks. Those locations, as well as other places that offer free or over-the-counter naloxone, can be found using the map at Organizations can also request free naloxone at that website. 'Having naloxone means you are prepared for when emergencies happen, which is especially important if you know your loved ones use substances,' Leah Randolph, executive director and co-owner of Commonwealth Mental Health & Wellness Center and leader of the Massachusetts Black Alcohol and Addictions Council, said in a statement. 'Naloxone saves lives, and ensuring more people have access to it is a critical step in combating the overdose crisis,' Randolph said. 'However, we must also prioritize training in highly impacted communities to ensure everyone knows how and when to use this life-saving resource effectively.' The Commission's Recovery Services Bureau continues to provide outreach, treatment and programs in the community. The Bureau's Post Overdose Response Team, comprised of harm reduction specialists and first responders, conducts in-person, home-based outreach after 911 overdose calls, and offers support, education, and referrals to resources, officials said. In 2024, the team completed 285 visits, officials said. The Health Commission has been steadily increasing prevention services throughout Boston by expanding community outreach, housing and mental health services, harm reduction, and support groups, health officials said. Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through the Commission's AHOPE and PAATHS programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services including syringe exchange; drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine; naloxone distribution; and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use, officials said. The PAATHS program connects people to a variety of treatment services including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders, call the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or call 3-1-1. For more information, visit This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
