Liz Burke, WPRO News

Boston Mayor Menino has declared a public health emergency in Boston because of the widespread flu outbreak.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says there have been 18 flu related deaths in the state so far this season. The Boston Globe reports that four of the deaths were people in Boston and the city has 700 confirmed flu cases.

According to Channel 5, there has been ten-times the increase in reported flu cases in Boston this season than for all of last season.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website lists the symptoms of the flu:

*Fever

*Cough

*Sore throat

*Runny or stuffy nose

*Muscle or body aches

*Headaches

*Fatigue (tiredness)

*Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The CDC says that it’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.