If you have the flu or know someone who has the virus, you are not alone. Maryland is experiencing an explosion in cases in recent weeks.
Statewide data shows flu activity in Maryland is very high. Dr. Andy Catanzaro, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Adventist Healthcare White Oak Medical Center, said, “One in ten emergency room visits are related to flu-like illnesses. Since November 2024, more than 3,000 Maryland residents have been hospitalized because of respiratory viruses.”
Flu Across the Country
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 43 states and the District of Columbia have ‘very high’ or ‘high’ influenza activity levels right now. As of February 7, the CDC estimates the 2024-2025 flu season has caused at least 24 million illnesses. In addition there have been 310,000 hospitalizations, 13,000 deaths and 57 pediatric deaths around the country.
Last Friday, the CDC reported this is the worst flu season since 2009. It is unclear why this is occurring. Catanzaro said it is common for influenza cases to rise during flu season. However, he said this year’s increase is unusual. He said a second peak of cases is happening right now. He believes the flu vaccine offered this year is still a good match for the current strains that are circulating.
Flu and Other Respiratory Viruses in the County
Dr. Kisha Davis, the County’s Health Officer, said the outbreak of flu cases in the County match what is happening around the state and the country.
Other respiratory viruses also are circulating. However, Davis said the number of RSV cases has dropped in the past few days. It had been high for several weeks. She said the number of Covid-19 cases are beginning to rise, but the amount is still relatively low compared with last summer.
Not Too Late To Get A Vaccine
Both Catanzaro and Davis recommend people get their flu vaccine.
“It is never too late to get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect. So if you get the shot and then get the flu, a day or two later, it’s not because you got the vaccine. It is because there is a lot of flu in the air,” Davis said.
She also said now is a good time to get a Covid-19 booster and an RSV vaccine. Anyone over the age of 75 is eligible to get an RSV vaccine, and people between the ages of 60 and 75 should get it if they have chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
Other Ways To Stay Healthy
Besides getting vaccines, people can take other steps to keep themselves healthy during this respiratory virus season.
“I recommend people wash their hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. It also is important to stay away from individuals who are sick. If you feel particularly vulnerable, wear a mask. It can offer extra protection. But the mask should fully cover both your mouth and nose for it to be effective,” Catanzaro said.
Davis said, “Masking in crowded places when flu rates are high is always a good idea especially for people with weakened immune systems or the elderly. But most importantly, if you are sick stay home and don’t spread your germs to others. If you are sick and absolutely must go out, wear a mask to protect others.”
Cold Vs. Flu
Sometimes it is difficult for people to figure out if they have a cold or the flu. A cold is typically less severe than the flu. A person with a cold will often have a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and some body aches. However, a typical cold will not severely impact the respiratory system. The flu, on the other hand, will trigger a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, severe body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. People often feel like they cannot function when they have the flu.
Influenza can be dangerous. It could trigger pneumonia, sinus infections, or other ailments that could lead to hospitalization or even death.
Davis said if a person has the flu, he or she should “rest up, stay home, and get lots of fluids.” She said it is important for people to talk with their doctors about medications that can help shorten the duration of their symptoms.
Some of the popular drugs to treat the flu include Tamiflu and Relenza. Doctors say these drugs are the most effective when taken within the first 36 to 48 hours after symptoms begin.
