GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ISSUES ONLINE FLU UPDATE

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 13, 2009) – Governor Martin O'Malley issued the second in a series of online H1N1 (Swine) Flu web updates on H1N1 (Swine) Flu today, including a status update on the spread of the disease and an update on the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. To date, state officials have ordered 100% of the H1N1 vaccinations available to Maryland distributors, more than 750,000 doses.

“By now, all of us have seen the national news that the pace of vaccine production has been slower than anticipated,” said Governor O’Malley. “But our state distribution system is strong, and we are getting the vaccine out as soon as it comes in. It is our belief that by the end of this month to have over a million doses in state and by the end of the year, to have enough on hand to make it available to anyone who wants it.”

Governor O’Malley’s H1N1 (Swine) Flu update can be viewed here.

This week, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention six more deaths associated with H1N1 (Swine) Flu in Maryland. All of the deaths have occurred over the last four weeks and involve adults with underlying health conditions.

Maryland is one of 46 states reporting geographically widespread influenza activity as virtually every indicator reveals the spread of H1N1 (Swine) flu is on the rise across the state. Since June 1, 2009, DHMH has reported 321 hospitalizations due to H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related illness to the CDC.

Since May 2009, DHMH has reported to the CDC 664 hospitalizations due to H1N1 (Swine) Flu-related illness.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include chills, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea or shortness of breath.

Good personal hygiene can reduce the risk of illness frequently washing of hands, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you develop flu-like symptoms.

Complications and death from flu-related illness are more common among those with serious underlying health conditions. If you have a flu-like illness and begin to experience emergency warning signs, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Emergency warning signs include:

In Children
· Bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
· Fever with a rash

In Adults
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness or confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting

Governor O’Malley’s H1N1 (Swine) Flu update can be viewed here.