• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Newsroom

    ​


    October 8, 2019

    Media Contact:

    Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

    Maureen Regan, Deputy Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649

     

    Maryland Health Department confirms season’s first flu cases; urges all Marylanders to get flu shots

     

    Baltimore, MD -- The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) urges Marylanders to get vaccinated against influenza, as the flu season has already begun, with 11 laboratory confirmed cases identified since September 1.

    The majority of the cases so far have been subtyped as influenza A (H3N2), with a few classified as influenza B. The vaccine protects against both influenza A and B.  

     

    “We don’t know yet whether flu activity this early indicates a particularly bad season on the horizon,” said MDH Secretary Robert R. Neall. “Still, we can’t emphasize strongly enough – get your flu shot now. Don’t put it off. The vaccine is widely available at grocery stores, pharmacies and local health clinics, in addition to your doctor’s office.”

     

    Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that may lead to serious complications, hospitalization, and even death. Although most influenza cases are mild and people recover with little to no complications, influenza can pose a serious risk for children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, pregnant women and individuals with compromised immune systems.

     

    During last year’s influenza season, 3,274 influenza-associated hospitalizations and 82 influenza-associated deaths were reported to the MDH, including four deaths of individuals under the age of 18.

     

    The influenza virus spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, as well as through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces and objects. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, coughing and sore throat. Symptoms usually begin one to four days after being exposed.

     

    “The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a flu shot. Getting vaccinated every year is important because the strains change over time,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips. “Also, keep in mind that it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated before the body’s full immune response kicks in.”

     

    Influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. It is especially important for individuals who are at high risk for influenza-related complications including:

    • Children 6 months through 5 years old;
    • People over 50 years old;
    • Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders;
    • People who are immunocompromised;
    • Women who are or will become pregnant during the flu season;
    • Children and adolescents who are receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications and who might be at risk for Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection;
    • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
    • People who are extremely obese (body mass index more than 40 for adults).

     

    If you think you have the flu:

    • Contact your health care provider to help manage symptoms or 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 often
    • Stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the flu


    For more information on prevention, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html. Stay up-to-date on influenza activity in Maryland by visiting https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/influenza/fluwatch/.

     

    The online Maryland Resident Influenza Tracking Survey (MRITS) was designed to enhance existing influenza surveillance by monitoring influenza-like illnesses among those who may not seek medical care. Sign up at http://flusurvey.health.maryland.gov/. For more information about the seriousness of influenza and benefits of vaccination, visit https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/influenza/ or http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ or call the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO. 

     

    ###


    The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. 

     

    Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/MDHealthDept and https://www.facebook.com/MDHealthDept.