Saturday, January 26, 2013
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 …
Friday, January 18, 2013
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…
Friday, January 11, 2013
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, Prince George's Hospital in Cheverly, MD reported an uptick in patients suffering from flu-like symptoms. "We've seen an increased amount of patients in the ER with flu-like symptoms," Prince George's Hospital Center spokeswoman …
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Google Flu Trends uses search data to estimate the prevalence of the disease around the world.
Flu cases are on the rise, according to Flu Trends, a Google-run site that uses search data to estimate the prevalence of the disease around the world in real time. The latest figures indicate that flu activity in Maryland is in the high to intense range. At this time last year, the incidence of the virus was considered low to moderate in the state. The story is much the same for the Washington, D.C. area, where flu activity also registers in the high to intense range. In general, the Southeast is seeing the U.S.'s highest levels of flu activity, while the West is seeing lower infection rates. The best places to escape the flu, according to the site: South America, South Africa, and Australia. Or—better yet—consider getting a flu shot. (…
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Flu season hits early and hard in the United States, says CDC.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
- Ben Gross
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Thursday, December 6, 2012
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 and …
Friday, September 23, 2011
Nearly 1,000 people in Maryland die each year as a result of the flu.
At a 50 percent vaccination rate, Maryland surpassed the national average for flu shots last year.
- GOVERNMENT
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Friday, September 23, 2011
by ASHLEY M. LATTA Capital News Service As October draws closer, so does the start of flu season. This year, all signs point toward a manageable situation. Still, Maryland health officials are strongly encouraging everyone age 6-months and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible. On Friday, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene kicked off its annual prevention campaign with a free flu clinic at the Baltimore County Health Department. By 10:30 a.m., 250 vaccines had been administered despite the pouring rain The department has monitored global flu activity all year, anticipating what this year's flu season could bring to Marylanders. And health officials like what they're seeing. "We have connections through the CDC, the …
