Flu is spiking in Massachusetts — and it's more than just an annoyance. The state Department of Public Health reports 30 people have died this season, including three children. Hospitalizations have ticked up earlier than usual, too. The good news: there's still time to get a flu shot. Most of us need one. Only about a third of Mass. residents have been vaccinated this year. Meanwhile, COVID rates are low, but are beginning to rise. And there's new research out about the impacts of the virus. Long COVID complications: Kids facing hunger are at higher risk for long COVID, researchers at Mass General Brigham found in a study released yesterday . Study co-author Tanayott Thaweethai told WBUR’s Dan Guzman that other factors, like economic instability, discrimination and transportation issues, can also have an impact. But having enough food to eat is the biggest risk factor. “People who are experiencing food insecurity are those who typically have less nutritious diets, and are also experiencing stress due to not knowing where the next meal is going to come from — all of which cause biological stress on the body which may lead to increased inflammation,” he said. - What’s long COVID again? When people still experience COVID symptoms (like fatigue, cognitive issues, muscle and joint pain, among others) more than three months after first getting sick. Many studies have focused on long COVID in adults, but this study specifically looked at kids age 6 to 17. Researchers plan to keep tracking the children in the study for several more years to learn more about the risk factors.
- What can be done? Researchers found that children who suffered from other risk factors but had enough to eat (such as through federal food programs like SNAP) were less likely to have long COVID. “This is a reminder of the effect that hunger can have on chronic disease and that it's critical that we do as much as we can to prevent hunger and food insecurity in our country,” Thaweethai said.
Council changeup: We told you yesterday that it seemed like District 4 Councilor Brian Worrell was a lock for the Boston City Council presidency, after Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata announced she would no longer seek the nomination. Well, when it came time to vote yesterday, there was an unexpected upset. Councilor Liz Breadon came out on top — by one vote. It was especially shocking since she hadn’t openly advocated for the job among her colleagues, reports WBUR's Eve Zuckoff. - Breadon has been a councilor since 2020, representing Allston-Brighton. She said during the contentious meeting that the process had been a whirlwind: “I didn’t know I’d be standing here this time yesterday, but that said, I’m ready to lead. I feel that I can bring a certain mindset to this job.”
- Behind the scenes: The 13 councilors vote for a new council president every two years and lobby among themselves for the post. During yesterday’s meeting, several councilors openly bemoaned the back-room nature of the whole process.
- More than a title: The council president sets agendas and gives out (and can revoke) committee assignments. They also step in for the mayor if that position is vacated — as Kim Janey did back in 2021.
Ballot boon: Eleven petitions got the required 74,574 certified signatures to move to the next step in qualifying for the 2026 ballot, according to Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s office. They include proposals to eliminate partisan primaries, reform lawmaker stipends and institute rent control. - What’s next: Galvin now sends the 11 petitions to the Legislature. Lawmakers have until May 5 to act on the proposals. If they don’t, petitioners will have to gather another 12,429 signatures to get the questions on the November ballot.
- A possible record? The highest number of questions on a ballot in a single year is nine (set in 1972, 1976 and 1994). Typically, there are two to four questions.
P.S.— Did you peep the weather forecast up top and see that it’s going to be another cold day? Don’t be like my dad and wear a Patriots hoodie instead of a real coat. Check out WBUR’s tips for dressing warm enough for the weather. |
