What are the symptoms of Influenza Type A in Massachusetts?

Symptoms of Influenza Type A include fatigue, chills, fever, body aches, cough, headache, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose.

What is the difference between Flu A and Flu B?

Influenza A is generally more severe, can cause pandemics, and is more common than Influenza B, though both cause similar symptoms.

How many flu cases were reported in Massachusetts recently?

During the week of December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026, Massachusetts reported 7,514 lab-confirmed influenza cases.

Home / Health / Flu A Dominates MA: See Symptoms & Differences

Flu A Dominates MA: See Symptoms & Differences

18 Jan

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Summary

Massachusetts reported 7,514 flu cases during the week of Dec. 28, 2025, to Jan. 3, 2026.
Influenza Type A accounts for the vast majority of current flu cases in the state.
Despite a recent drop in hospitalizations, flu activity remains high in Massachusetts.

Flu A Dominates MA: See Symptoms & Differences

As of the week ending January 3, 2026, Massachusetts experienced 7,514 lab-confirmed influenza cases, a decrease from the prior week's 8,860. The dominant strain is Influenza Type A, with 6,630 unsubtyped positive results, alongside 439 Type A (H1) and 182 Type A (H3) cases. Influenza B cases numbered 121.

Despite a recent decline in hospitalizations since late December, the state's overall influenza-like illness activity is still rated as "very high." Globally, the 2025-2026 flu season has seen 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths in the U.S. alone. Type A strains, including the mutated "subclade K," represent 94.3% of tested subtypes.

Influenza Type A is generally more severe than Type B and has historically caused pandemics. While both spread similarly and present comparable symptoms, Type A can lead to more serious outcomes. Type C infections typically cause mild illness, and Type D primarily affects animals.