CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — Doctors are voicing concerns on the rising number of flu cases, including a new strain some are referring to as the “super flu,” as many are gathering indoors with loved ones for the holiday season. 

With Christmas just a week away, Dr. Ulysses Wu, the chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said there are growing concerns over the new H3N2 flu strain. 

“We had a very late flu season this year, but we’re making up for it like gang busters,” Dr. Wu said. “What’s happening with this one is, this has changed a bit, making it a little bit more infectious. It invades our immune system a little bit more, and that’s why we’re seeing a rise in cases.”

The most notable jump in the U.S. has been happening in New York City, with 14,000 cases reported in the first week of December. That is a 460% jump from the same time last year, according to the state flu tracker. 

Dr. Wu warned that, because of its location, Connecticut is at risk to see a jump in flu cases. 

“Remember, we’re sandwiched between New York and Boston, and we do have our share of travelers and commuters as well,” Dr. Wu said. “Our rates have certainly increased and that’s to be expected.”

Dr. Wu recommended that it is best to listen to medical professionals when it comes to the flu vaccine and the new H3N2 strain.

“So people are saying, ‘Oh well it’s changed, the vaccine isn’t going to work.’ It is still going to work,” Dr. Wu explained. “The whole point is to modulate the course of the disease so it’s not as severe.

Dr. Wu said that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are also up among children and older adults in Connecticut. When it comes to holiday celebrations, Dr. Wu recommends using common sense — wash your hands, stay home if you are sick and get vaccinated if you haven’t been already.

The shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice, is Sunday. Maine ranks among five states with the shortest winter daylight, with about 8.5 hours. Averaging day length across the year, Maine is also near the bottom, with roughly 11.5 hours, second only to Alaska.

Day length varies strongly with latitude, even within Maine. On Sunday, Fort Kent will see almost a half hour less daylight than Portland, with 8 hours, 28 minutes compared with 8 hours, 56 minutes.

Why acknowledge the solstice?

The winter solstice serves as both a scientific marker of Earth’s orbit and a cultural symbol of the cycle of darkness and light. It is a time to look forward to longer days and opportunities for outdoor recreation, including winter-specific activities.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

With such a short day, take time to appreciate the daylight we do have. Head to a scenic spot near Bangor, such as Black Cap Mountain or the Waterfront, or for a longer drive, visit Bass Harbor Head Light in Acadia National Park or Mount Battie in Camden. Watch the sun rise or set over the winter landscape. Cross-country ski or snowshoe these areas to make the outing even more exciting. Rent equipment if needed, and carry a headlamp. Don’t let the waning light shorten your plans.

Visit holiday-themed lights

The Stillwater River Trail in Orono features a free light display with tunnels and wrapped trees, open nightly from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For those willing to travel farther, the Gardens Aglow display at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay lights up nature-themed paths with thousands of beautiful lights.

L.L. Bean in Freeport is always decorated with lights and holiday music, and the Cape Neddick Light in York has lights outlining its tower, keeper’s house and surrounding buildings.

Make winter crafts

After the sun sets, residents can mark the winter solstice with indoor activities such as creating seasonal crafts using Maine materials.

A handcrafted Christmas wreath made with Maine balsam fir brings natural holiday cheer to any home, and can be embellished with other natural trimmings like turkey feathers. Credit: Susan Bard / BDN

Options include wreaths and simple candle holders made from evergreens, pinecones and berries.

Many Maine land trusts allow public access to conserved forests and trails, providing materials for crafts with a permit. Creating your own wreaths and decorations is not only rewarding; they also make great gifts and are traditions worth starting.

SPRINGFIELD — With just days left before the Dec. 23 deadline, state and local leaders are urging uninsured residents to enroll in health coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector to ensure they’re protected in the new year. The cutoff applies to anyone who wants coverage starting Jan. 1.

The Health Connector — the state’s official health insurance marketplace — is the only place residents can access financial assistance and avoid misleading “junk” policies that often appear in online searches, according to a statement from the agency.

Officials say the enrollment period is especially critical for people without job-based insurance, gig workers, newcomers to the state and anyone seeking affordable, comprehensive health plans.

At a press conference Wednesday at Caring Health Center’s Tania M. Barber Learning Institute in Springfield, health leaders emphasized that most people who sign up through the Connector qualify for help paying premiums through its ConnectorCare program.

Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector, said the state has spent nearly two decades committed to ensuring access to health care and offering the most affordable coverage possible for everyone.

”And despite the federal challenges, we continue to do everything we can to offer coverage to everyone who needs it. Now is the time for people who don’t have coverage to come in, apply, and find out what kind of plan for which they qualify,” she said.

Open enrollment also gives current members a chance to review their coverage, compare options and make changes.

Recent changes in federal policy have caused shifts in coverage and higher premiums for many Massachusetts residents, creating uncertainty and concern, said Cristina Huebner Torres, chief executive vice president and strategy and research officer at Caring Health Center.

“During times like these, trusted, local support becomes even more essential, and our Navigators have been on the very front lines, helping residents understand their options, maintain coverage, and navigate a complex and evolving system,” Huebner Torres said.