3 Dead As Maryland Reports A Rise In Flu Cases

ANNAPOLIS, MD — As the holiday season approaches, cases of influenza are on the rise in Maryland, according to state data.

While overall flu activity remains low across the state, 1,219 cases were reported for the week ending on Nov. 29, up from 963 the previous week, according to a Maryland Department of Health dashboard.

Health officials said three adults have died this flu season, and 334 people have been hospitalized.

The state also reported a 13.5 percent positivity rate for the same week, up from 9 percent the previous week. Influenza A is the prominent strain circulating among patients across the state, representing 75.8 percent of cases.

"The most important way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot," Maryland health officials said. "The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death."

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that invade the respiratory system, affecting the nose, throat and lungs.

There are two categories of influenza viruses, designated as types A and B. Certain populations, such as those 65 and older, young children, and those with specific health conditions, face an increased risk of experiencing severe complications from the flu, health officials said.

The predominant mode of flu virus transmission involves small droplets generated when individuals with the flu cough, sneeze or speak. These droplets have the potential to land in the mouths or noses of nearby individuals.

Alternatively, a person may contract the flu by touching a surface or object that carries the flu virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Some of the symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Because these symptoms can overlap with those of the common cold and COVID-19, it can be challenging to distinguish between the illnesses without diagnostic testing.

In an interview with WBAL, Dr. Hannah Goldberg with Mercy Medical Center said she began seeing many sick patients after Thanksgiving.

"A lot of upper respiratory infections, and most of the treatment is just symptomatic treatment. There's generally not a role for antibiotics for upper respiratory infections," Goldberg said.

Flu season most often peaks in February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.