Media Contact:Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations,
[email protected]Maryland Department of Health launches new combined respiratory illness data dashboardMarylanders advised to take precautions during respiratory illness season to avoid getting sick
Baltimore, MD—The Maryland Department of Health today announced the launch of an easy-to-use data tool to illustrate the combined effect of respiratory illness trends, particularly COVID-19, influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity in Maryland: the
Maryland Combined Respiratory Illness Data Dashboard.
The new dashboard complements existing dashboards for respiratory illnesses, as well as provides new information, such as data on RSV vaccination rates and total deaths in the state from respiratory illness.
“The dashboard will help us increase access to public health information, promote data transparency, and expand awareness of respiratory illness activity in the state,” said Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “It will also help ensure a proactive response to emerging trends and focus prevention and response resources. Marylanders may use this new respiratory dashboard to make informed decisions when traveling or attending major events throughout the year.”
Respiratory viruses continue to cause significant illness and death in the community each season. During the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, nearly 5,000 Maryland residents were hospitalized with lab-confirmed COVID-19, more than 8,000 with lab-confirmed flu, and more than 2,600 with lab-confirmed RSV. All three viruses are active, especially during winter, and their combined impact on communities — including schools, workplaces, and the healthcare system — can be substantial.
The Maryland Combined Respiratory Illness Dashboard combines COVID-19, flu, and RSV data, allowing a view of the combined impact of these three common respiratory illnesses, specifically:
- Summary of overall respiratory illness activity
- Hospitalization data summary
- Vaccination data summary
- Death data summary
The Maryland Department of Health reminds Marylanders that vaccination is the best way to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. The Department has taken important steps to ensure broad vaccine access for Marylanders, including issuing a
COVID-19 vaccine standing order and sharing
clinical vaccine guidance for healthcare providers and
vaccine recommendations for individuals for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season. The public can find
updated respiratory virus immunization recommendations on the Department’s website.
