Menino Declares Flu Outbreak; Cases in Sudbury Low

Mayor Thomas Menino declared a health emergency due to Boston's flu outbreak.

But here in Sudbury the news is more positive.

According to Sudbury Board of Health Directory Bob Leupold, only 12 cases have been reported in town this season.

"We looked at some statistics (at Tuesday night's board meeting)," he said. "It’s difficult to tell, with the low numbers reported here, to determine if there’s a crisis in Sudbury."

Leupold is encouraging people to get the flu shot if they have not done so.

There were over 700 reported cases in Boston this flu season, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. That's 10 times the average number of cases last year, according to WBUR. 

Fortunately, there's plenty of vaccine to go around this year, and the mayor's office recommends everyone get the shot. The city website has a calendar of free flu vaccine clinics. They also have a page devoted to flu information and prevention tips. You can also use the widget above to find flu shots at pharmacies, clinics and other locations near you.

The Red Cross offers several tips to reduce your exposure to the flu, like washing your hands often, coughing and sneezing into your elbow instead of your hand and others on this list.