The brunt of the flu virus may have passed, but other strains of the virus are keeping the number of flu-like illnesses high in Maryland.
The flu strain that has been making many sick in Maryland and around the country may be peaking, but that doesn't mean it's time to cease precautions and skip the flu shot. Other strains could circulate, keeping the flu around for months. Overall, the intensity of flu-like illnesses in Maryland remains high, according to the latest Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene report for the week ending Jan. 19. The influenza virus was geographically widespread according to the last report, meaning there is flu activity throughout different regions, said David Blythe, a medical epidemiologist with the state. While the virus is difficult to predict, he said there is a possibility the flu has peaked and is headed toward a decline. Even …
Yes, but some stores struggle to keep the vaccine in stock.
Even though flu numbers may be dropping in Maryland, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that as of Jan. 5 (the most recent data available), 48 states, including Maryland and Virginia, continued to see "widespread" influenza activity, with California, Mississippi and Washington, DC, showing only "local" activity. The CDC's website recommends that "[the] single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year." However, it may be challenging to find a flu shot in your area. In Montgomery County, at least one CVS in Wheaton is finding it difficult to keep the vaccine in stock. "We do have the flu vaccine if you come in today," pharmacy technician Luis Velasco said this week. "Last Thursday, we ran out…
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Google Flu Trends "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate current flu activity around the world in near real-time," its website stated.
Flu cases appear to be rising still in Maryland, according to Google Flu Trends, which "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate current flu activity around the world in near real-time," the Google Flu Trends website stated. Google Flu Trends data indicates that the number of flu cases in Maryland started rising in mid-November. As of Jan. 11, the flu has reached the "intense" category in Maryland, whereas at this time last year, the number of flu cases was only in the "moderate" range. Earlier this week, Montgomery County hospitals reported an uptick in patients suffering from flu-like symptoms. At Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, about 30 extra patients a day are visiting the emergency room, many of them complaining of flu-like …
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Patients with flu-like symptoms are crowding emergency rooms as officials gear up for what could be a bad flu season.
Montgomery County hospitals are seeing an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms as the number of influenza cases across the state and the country rises and health officials gear up for a flu season that could be the one of the worst in a decade. The flu is spreading earlier and faster than usual in the Washington, DC, region this year, The Washington Post reported, and Maryland is experiencing widespread cases. In Maryland so far this season, 2,362 have tested positive for the flu, according to The Baltimore Sun. But since many patients are treated for flu-like symptoms without being tested, the number is likely much higher, said Mary Anderson, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. The …
Google Flu Trends "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate current flu activity around the world in near real-time," its website stated.
Flu cases appear to be on the rise, according to Google Flu Trends, which "uses aggregated Google search data to estimate current flu activity around the world in near real-time," Google Flu Trends' website stated. Google Flu Trends' data indicates that the number of flu cases in Maryland is already between the "high" and "intense" categories, whereas at this time last year, the number of flu cases was only between the "low" and "moderate" categories. Best places to escape the flu, according to Google Flu Trends: South America, South Africa and Australia. (Perhaps flu viruses don't like long flights?) Or, better yet, consider getting a flu shot. Find a flu shot location near you with this Flu Vaccine Finder (available through the American …
Flu season hits early and hard in the United States, says CDC.
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) FluView flu activity tracker, the influenza virus has “increased substantially” in the south central and Southeast regions of the country, and has come the earliest since the 2003-2004: While influenza vaccines have been around since 1945, the type that contains a live virus have only been used since 2003, and many people still wonder if they should get a flu vaccine shot. Today, there are two basic types of flu vaccines – traditional needle injection and a nasal spray. Who should get a flu shot? The CDC believes that all persons aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated on a yearly basis, but especially urges the shot for children under 5 …
Patricia J. Kelly
11:18 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
When someone is sick they should try to avoid situations that infect others, alot of this is common sense. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, wear a mask, wash hands. blah blah... How many times have you been in a checkout line and some inconsiderate person sneezes and blows snot all over the everyone or your food service worker coughs as they are bringing your plate to you, and there are… more ›