Worst flu outbreak in the US in years

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The American Red Cross is encouraging everyone to do their part to prevent the spread of the flu.

It's the worst influenza outbreak we've seen in the US in several years; Boston declared a public health emergency Wednesday.

It takes two weeks for the flu shot to fully protect you, and with plenty of flu season left doctors encourage everyone, especially those at high risk, to get the flu shot.

According to Dawn Leaks of the Pioneer Valley Red Cross, “People over 50, seniors, children over 6 months, women who are pregnant; they fall into the high risk category so we're definitely encouraging people like that.”

Common flu symptoms include high fever and severe body aches, sore throat, cough and congestion.