Person after person touches shared equipment...places like the YMCA of Central Massachusetts take extra precautions to prevent the spread of flu.

Sharon Henderson, Marketing and Communications Director for the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, "We're always looking at how our facilities are cleaned and wiped down, how equipment is wiped down by all our members."

The number of people infected by the flu this season is the highest in Massachusetts since 2017. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says this is based on figures from hospitals and positive flu tests.

Henderson, "When you have a lot of kids around, you're always aware and are like' always wash your hands,' and teaching them to sneeze into the crook of your arm."

Young children are some of the most at risk. About one hundred kids go through the YMCA's drop-in daycare program each day and these numbers are higher with February vacation.

Christina Puleo, Executive Director of the Greendale Family Branch, "Sometimes we up that a little bit. The night crew and afternoon crew will come in and wipe down all the mats and equipment and toys. And our staff do that during any down time. Clorox wipes are our favorite."​

The Greendale Branch's Wellness Center is extra busy with the day off for President's Day and the YMCA Open House. Members are reminded to wipe down common surfaces and equipment both before and after use to kill germs.

Puleo, "The Y is for social responsibility so we try to encourage our members to take care of each other."

Every region in the state is reporting high flu activity. The Department of Public Health says all current strains of the flu found in Massachusetts this season are covered by the flu vaccine.