11 Flu Cases Confirmed In MD, Flu Shot Encouraged As Prevention

Flu season has arrived in Maryland. There have been 11 cases of flu in the state since the beginning of September, the Maryland Department of Health reported Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause fever, body aches, sore throat, coughing and fatigue about one to four days after exposure. The disease spreads through coughing or sneezing, from person to person and touching contaminated objects.

It can be deadly: In 2018, there were 82 flu-related deaths reported to Maryland health officials. Four were younger than 18 years old.

Flu season generally picks up in October and November, peaks between December and February and can continue as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We don’t know yet whether flu activity this early indicates a particularly bad season on the horizon," Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall said in a statement.

"Still, we can’t emphasize strongly enough – get your flu shot now. Don’t put it off," Neall said. "The vaccine is widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies and local health clinics, in addition to your doctor’s office."

Children younger than 5 and adults over than 65 are at the greatest risk, along with pregnant women and those who have compromised immune systems.

Nearly 3,300 people were hospitalized because of the flu last year in Maryland, according to state health officials.

"The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a flu shot," Maryland Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips said in a statement. "Keep in mind that it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated before the body’s full immune response kicks in."

So far this year, most cases are influenza A (H3N2), while a few have been influenza B, according to officials, who say the vaccine protects against both.

"Getting vaccinated every year is important because the strains change over time," Phillips said.

For those who do get the flu, the vaccine can make it less severe.

This tool allows you to sort for your flu shot by zip code.

Everyone older than six months can get the vaccine. It is especially suggested that these people get the shot since they are at high risk:

• Children 6 months to 5 years old
• People over 50
• Adults and children with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic or metabolic disorders
• Those with compromised immune systems
• Women who are or will become pregnant during the flu season
• Children and adolescents receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications and who might be at risk for Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Nursing home and long-term care residents
• Those who are obese, or have a body mass index more than 40

What To Do If You May Have Flu

• Rest.
• Hydrate.
• Call your health care provider to help manage symptoms.
• Stay home from work or school to avoid spreading germs.
• Cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Get more flu information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the Maryland Department of Health about flu activity in Maryland.