MD Flu Deaths Increase As Influenza A Hits State Hard

MARYLAND — Influenza A cases continue to rise nationwide, marking a shift in a season where Influenza B strains have dominated cases and headlines. Thousands of people around the country have died, and deaths increased in Maryland in the last week, state health officials said.

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ending Feb. 8, cases nationwide tested positive for Influenza A at 54 percent compared to Influenza B, which comprised 46 percent of cases.

In Maryland, Influenza A was the dominant strain with 434 confirmed cases, according to the Department of Health. A reported 242 people tested positive for Influenza B (Victoria). Overall, 371 influenza cases have been reported in Maryland the week of Feb. 8, up from 327 cases the week before.

Numbers of influenza B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are roughly equal for the season overall, with continued increases in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in recent weeks, state health officials said.

Influenza B cases outpaced Influenza A earlier this season, causing the flu to hit younger Americans especially hard. So far this season, the CDC has reported a total of 92 pediatric deaths. In January, reported pediatric deaths were more than double what they were last season.

Maryland has had three pediatric deaths so far, none in February

In total, 14,000 people in the U.S. have died due to flu-related illnesses and complications, according to the latest CDC data. A total of 29 Maryland adult deaths have been tied to the flu, the Department of Health said.

Clinical laboratories in Maryland reporting influenza diagnostic tests show that 4,295 (34.6 percent) were positive for influenza. Of those testing positive, 2,292 (53 percent) were influenza Type A and 2,003 (47 percent) were influenza Type B.

Typically, the groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu is a highly contagious illness, which is why the CDC urges everyone to take the following steps to protect themselves and others:

• Take time to get a flu shot: While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. The CDC says it's not too late to get this year's vaccine.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs such as the flu.
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.