Flu Warning: First 2017 Cases Confirmed in Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD — Flu season has arrived, say Maryland health officials, who report that three confirmed cases of the type A (H3) flu were diagnosed in the Baltimore area. All three patients were adults; one of the patients was hospitalized, but has since been released.

The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said Thursday that now is a good time to get a flu shot. Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses (depending on the vaccine) that research suggests will be most common. For 2017-2018, three-component vaccines are recommended to contain:

• an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus (updated)
• an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus
• a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like (B/Victoria lineage) virus

The flu bug begins to make the rounds in October and November. Most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and March and can last as late as May. Get vaccinated soon, because it takes two weeks for the vaccine to get working, doctors say.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that may lead to serious complications, hospitalization or even death. The virus that causes influenza spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, as well as through direct contact with infected people and contaminated surfaces or objects.

Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, coughing and sore throat. Symptoms usually begin one to four days after being exposed to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill with influenza. Yearly vaccinations are important because the strains of influenza that circulate change over time.

CDC health officials say the nasal spray shouldn't be used in the 2017-2018 flu season because recent studies show it's not effective in preventing the flu.

The agency recommends several steps to fighting the flu: vaccination; everyday preventive actions, like staying away from sick people; and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others. In addition, there are prescription antiviral drugs can treat people who are very sick with the flu or are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. It is especially important for people who are at high risk for influenza-related complications and severe disease including:

• Children younger than 5 years old,
• People 65 and older,
• Pregnant women,
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities,
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives,
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions, and
• People undergoing therapy or with a condition that may weaken their immune systems.

People caring for someone in these groups should be vaccinated to avoid spreading the disease to them. The vaccine is widely available, and Maryland residents can get protected by contacting their health care provider, local health department or neighborhood pharmacy.

Last season, the first confirmed case of influenza was reported on Oct. 7, 2016.

If you believe you have the flu:

• Contact your health care provider for management of flu symptoms or treatment of any complications.
• Get rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowded places like shopping malls or public transportation.
• Avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals or other settings where people with other conditions may get your flu and be affected severely.
• Stay home from work or school whenever possible to avoid spreading the flu to your friends and coworkers.

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