First Case of Seasonal Flu Reported in Maryland; Harford County Health Department Recommends Vaccination

From the Harford County Health Department:

According to a November 5th news release from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (MD DHMH), seasonal influenza has officially arrived in Maryland with the first laboratory-confirmed case of an adult in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The individual was not hospitalized. The flu strain was type A (H1N1). This year’s influenza vaccine formulation includes the A (H1N1) strain. Last season, the first confirmed case of influenza was reported on October 9, 2014.

An estimated 36,000 deaths annually in the United States are attributed either directly or indirectly to seasonal influenza. The Harford County Health Department (HCHD) reminds the public that vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older as the single-most important measure to prevent the spread of influenza as well as protect against serious complications it can cause. Vaccination, which both is safe and reliable, also has broader public health implications by interrupting influenza transmission to others.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications, hospitalization or even death. 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. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue, which usually begins one to four days after a person has been exposed to the virus

Individuals at highest risk from flu complications include children younger than 5 years old (including children younger than 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated), children and adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as adults 65 years and older.

Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly warns, “It’s critical to our community’s best public health interests that everyone understands the unpredictable nature of influenza. There’s no way of knowing with any certainty how long the flu season will last, nor how serious an impact the seasonal flu will have in the coming months. Among the most important messages to our citizens is to continue to use common sense and to employ all practical means to minimize your risk of exposure to illness.”

Ms. Kelly states that while vaccination remains most critical, there are other measures people must take to prevent the spread of flu, such as:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth, since germs spread that way.

• Staying away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, when possible.

Those who believe they are sick with the flu are urged to stay home and minimize their contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness. You should rest and drink plenty of fluids and contact your healthcare provider for management of flu symptoms or treatment of any complications.

Maryland residents also are encouraged to visit the State’s Internet-based Maryland Resident Influenza Tracking Survey (MRITS) website at http://flusurvey.dhmh.maryland.gov/ to receive online surveys for reporting any flu-like symptoms each week. This tool is designed to enhance the State’s existing influenza surveillance by monitoring influenza-like illnesses among residents who might not seek medical care.

For additional resources and more information about the seriousness of influenza and the benefits of vaccination, visit the HCHD website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.