Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issue national alert about flu

Marylanders are urged to get flu shot, to take steps to minimize virus’ spread 

Baltimore, MD (February 3, 2016) – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued an alert about an increase in seasonal influenza activity across the nation. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is reminding residents to safeguard their health by getting a flu shot and by practicing steps to minimize the virus’ spread.  

Influenza is a 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, and usually begin one to four days after a person has been exposed to the virus.

The influenza vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill with the flu. Yearly vaccinations are important because the strains of influenza that circulate change over time. Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone older than 6 months. The flu shot is widely available, and Maryland residents are urged to get protected now by contacting their health care provider, local health department or neighborhood pharmacy.  

According to the CDC, here are steps you should take to help prevent catching the flu:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

If you believe you are ill with the flu:

• 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 with hot water and soap 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 may be affected severely.
• Stay home from work or school whenever possible to avoid spreading the flu.

According to the CDC, Clinicians should encourage all persons with influenza-like illness who are at high risk for influenza complications to seek care promptly to determine if treatment with influenza antiviral medications is warranted. Treatment with an appropriate neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral drug (oral oseltamivir, inhaled zanamivir, or intravenous peramivir) is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who

1. is hospitalized;
2. has severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or
3. is at higher risk for influenza complications. This list includes:

• children aged younger than 2 years;
• adults aged 65 years and older;
• persons with chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension alone), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), or neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions (including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy [seizure disorders], stroke, intellectual disability [mental retardation], moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury);
• persons with immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV infection;
• women who are pregnant or postpartum (within 2 weeks after delivery);
• persons aged younger than 19 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
• American Indians/Alaska Natives;
• persons who are morbidly obese (i.e., body-mass index is equal to or greater than 40); and
• residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

The State has an Internet-based Maryland Resident Influenza Tracking Survey (MRITS). This tool is designed to enhance the State’s influenza surveillance by monitoring influenza-like illnesses among residents who might not seek medical care. Please volunteer!  Sign up at http://flusurvey.dhmh.maryland.gov/ to receive online surveys where you can report any flu-like symptoms each week. For more information about the seriousness of seasonal influenza and the benefits of vaccination, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/  or http://goo.gl/y4YpFX, or call CDC at 800-CDC-INFO. Stay up-to-date on influenza activity in Maryland by visiting http://dhmh.maryland.gov/fluwatch for weekly updates.

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The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the state government agency that protects Maryland’s public health.  We work together to promote and improve the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement. Stay connected:  www.twitter.com/MarylandDHMH  and www.facebook.com/MarylandDHMH. ​