BOSTON (AP) ? State public health officials say reported cases of the flu have dropped in Massachusetts for a second consecutive week, yet remain higher than at this time in recent years.

New state figures released on Friday show the percentage of people visiting health care providers with flu-like symptoms dropped to 2.4 percent after reaching nearly 4.5 percent earlier in the month. A small decline in flu-related hospitalizations was also reported.

Health officials say while the decline is encouraging, they point out that the flu can be unpredictable and that it too soon to say whether flu season in Massachusetts has peaked.

Officials say it also not too late to get a flu vaccine.

A widespread outbreak of flu in Boston prompted the city to declare a public health emergency last week.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.