BOSTON — Fighting the flu continues to be an uphill battle in Massachusetts with 2,200 new confirmed cases this week.
The problem isn’t over though, and after some clinics have run out of flu testing swabs there are concerns it could be worse.
Boston 25 News contacted to urgent care clinics Friday night and four said they were waiting for a new supply if test kits.
At Wareham Pediatrics, they continue to see rising cases.
"To the point where we don't even have appointment slots available to see the number of people who are coming in," said Dr. Jason Reynolds.
This year’s flu season has the second highest number of cases in a decade, It’s already claimed more than 100 lives in Massachusetts.
Dr. Reynolds says because of the high number of cases and low number of testing kits, his office received strict orders.
"We've actually gotten notice from our local hospitals that they are affected by the diminished supply nationwide and sort of put up strict criteria into place into who can be tested and who can't be tested," said Reynolds.
The severity of the flu is blamed on a widely circulating strain, which the vaccine is not as effective in preventing, but there are other strains the vaccine will help to prevent.
The flu season could last several more weeks and health officials say it's not too late to get vaccinated.
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Cox Media Group
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