Maryland’s First Seasonal Flu Case Reported; Vaccination Is Your Best Protection For You And Your Loved Ones

BALTIMORE, MD (October 9, 2012) - Seasonal influenza has officially arrived in Maryland, with a confirmed case, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) announced today. The first laboratory-confirmed cases of seasonal influenza have been diagnosed in an adult on the Eastern Shore. The individual was hospitalized but has been released. The flu strain was A (H3). This year's influenza formation includes the A (H3N2) strain. Last season, the first confirmed case of influenza was reported on October 3, 2013.

"Individuals can help prevent influenza infection by getting the flu vaccine, said Dr. Laura Herrera, Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services. "Vaccine is available throughout the state.”

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

Yearly vaccinations are important because the strains of influenza that circulate change over time. All of the 2014-2015 influenza vaccine is made to protect against the following three viruses:

• A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• A/Texas/50/2012 (H3N2)-like virus
• B/Massachusetts/2/2012-like virus
  

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

• Children 6 months to 18 years of age;
• Persons 50 years of age and older;
• Pregnant women;
• Persons of any age with chronic medical conditions;
• Persons undergoing therapy, or with a condition that may weaken their immune systems,
• Persons caring for someone in these groups should also be vaccinated to avoid spreading the disease to them. These persons include healthcare workers, household contacts of individuals at risk for complications from the flu, and daycare or school workers.Contact your healthcare provider, local health department, or neighborhood pharmacy to get vaccinated.

 

If you believe you are ill with influenza:

• Contact your healthcare 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.

Stay up-to-date on influenza activity in Maryland by visiting http://dhmh.maryland.gov/fluwatch for weekly updates. Maryland has an established Internet-based Maryland Resident Influenza Tracking Survey. This tool is designed to enhance the state’s existing influenza surveillance by monitoring influenza-like illnesses among residents who may not seek medical care. Please volunteer! Sign up via the Internet at http://flusurvey.dhmh.md.gov/ to receive on-line surveys where you can report any flu-like symptoms each week.

For more information about influenza, visit: http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/influenza/SitePages/Home.aspx