The number of flu cases is still rising around the country but the outbreak in Maryland has slowed a touch. The Maryland Department of Health’s Flu Dashboard reports as of Friday, December 10th, respiratory illness activity in the state was ‘high’ which was down from the previous week when it was ‘very high’. The outbreak during the week of December 10th sent 301 people to the hospital. The state has had 14 influenza related deaths this flu season. No children have died from the flu.
The flu has hit harder and earlier than in years past. My MCM’s Liz Feldman spoke with Dr. Andy Catanzaro who is the Chief of Infectious Diseases at Adventist Healthcare about why this is happening:
Dr. Catanzaro recommends people get vaccinated against the flu and wear masks when they are in public to provide an extra layer of protection, especially since there are a lot of viruses out in the community now. He said masks will protect individuals who wear them and protect others who could catch a virus from someone who does not know they are infected.
