2 Anne Arundel Residents Die From Flu

ANNAPOLIS, MD — While the state of Maryland doesn't track adult flu deaths, Anne Arundel County health officials said Thursday that two residents have died from the flu this season. Local health experts urge residents to become vaccinated, saying most of flu patients who are hospitalized have not gotten a flu shot.

The first pediatric death attributed to influenza in the state was reported Tuesday by the Maryland Department of Health. Since mid-to-late December, Maryland health officials said, there has been a "marked increase" in flu activity. People are advised to get the flu vaccine if they have not already and to stay home if they are sick. The first flu death in Maryland was reportedly on Jan. 24. The victim was a 41-year-old Frederick woman.

From Oct. 1, 2017 to Jan. 25, 115 Anne Arundel County residents ranging in age from infants to adults over 100 years old were hospitalized because of the flu, says the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. The health department said in a news release that the deaths of two Anne Arundel County residents from the flu were confirmed by local hospitals – both were residents were older than age 65.

During the week of Jan. 28, the daily average of county residents visiting emergency rooms for influenza-like illnesses was 44. This flu season is Maryland’s worst since 2014-2015, Anne Arundel County officials said.

Influenza, more commonly referred to as "flu," is a respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs and can be severe and, especially for the young and very weak, be life threatening, according to Doctors Report. Flu-related illnesses that can result include pneumonia, asthma and dehydration.

“It is not too late to get vaccinated,” said Acting Health Officer Frances Phillips. “Yearly vaccinations are important because the strains of influenza that circulate change over time. County residents are urged to get protected now by contacting their health care provider, local health department or neighborhood pharmacy to schedule an appointment.”

People at high risk of complications from the flu include children younger than 5, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

The majority of flu activity is due to influenza type A H3N2, although type A H1N1 and B strains are also circulating in Anne Arundel County. As is the case every season, this year’s vaccine has coverage of both type A and B flu strains.

The influenza vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming severely ill, county health experts say. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone older than 6 months get the flu vaccine.

The Department of Health offers flu shots. Call to make a flu shot appointment at Glen Burnie Health Center or Parole Heath Center: Glen Burnie Health Center, 416 A Street SW, Glen Burnie, 410-222-6633 or Parole Health Center, 1950 Drew Street, Annapolis, 410-222-7247.

While flu-related pediatric deaths must be reported, the Maryland Department of Health cannot discuss specifics of individual cases; so it is not public information where the child was from in the state.

The Baltimore region is a national flu hot spot, with one of the most severe levels of influenza in the country, according to a recent report analyzing national doctor office data. The findings on Doctors Report are based on the website's and mobile app's Illness Tracker that compiles doctor diagnosis data reported during a seven-day period.

SEE ALSO:

• First Pediatric Flu Death In Maryland Reported
• ER Visits Climb As Flu Spreads Across Maryland
• First Flu Death In Maryland Of 2018 Reported
• Baltimore's Flu Severity Level Among Worst In US: Report

Here are tips to avoid the flu and curb its spread, provided by the Centers for Disease Control:

• Stay home if you are sick. With the exception of seeking medical care, do not go out until 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the use of medication.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may have become contaminated with germs.
• Avoid others who are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue. Throw away tissues after use.

According to the CDC, the flu is widespread in 48 states while two states — Oregon and Hawaii — do not have widespread flu activity.

What To Do If You Have The Flu
To treat the flu, use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup to relieve symptoms.

Rest in bed and drink lots of fluids.

If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug, which will reduce the severity of symptoms and length of the illness.

You can be contagious from one day before and up to seven days after becoming sick.

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