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Although the Maryland Department of Health has announced the first confirmed seasonal influenza cases for the 2018-1919 influenza season last week, there is still no confirmed case in Washington County – at least not again.
The two laboratory confirmed cases are found in central and eastern Maryland, one in the adult and the other in the child, according to a press release issued by the MDH. .
Rod MacRae, head of information for the Washington County Health Department, said the county had not had any reported influenza cases.
Influenza strains confirmed this year are of type A (H1) and type B (Victoria).
MacRae said it was too early to know if the flu season would be harder than last year, but reminded residents that the flu shot is the best protection against the flu.
"It's a much more dangerous disease than anyone thinks and anyone who can have one should do it," MacRae said of the influenza vaccine.
Dr. Mohammed Bilgrami, an infectious disease specialist at Meritus Health, said that during the 2017-2018 influenza season, 80,000 Americans died from influenza and flu-related complications, the largest in the world. number of deaths recorded over 40 years.
Of these deaths, 180 were children and 80% of these children were not vaccinated against influenza.
Bilgrami said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had modified this year 's influenza vaccine based on last year' s strain.
Each year, the strain is slightly different and unpredictable, because the virus tends to change and mutate. Whatever the case may be, the vaccine offers some protection.
"The best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated every year … I strongly encourage and strongly recommend that people get vaccinated, particularly those who are at high risk of complications," he said. said Bilgrami.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations or even death, according to the MDH.
The virus is transmitted by coughing, sneezing and direct contact with infected people, as well as by contaminated surfaces or objects. The peak period of flu is from December to February.
The symptoms usually begin between one and four days after a person's exposure to the virus. They include fever, body aches, fatigue, coughing and sore throat.
The vaccine is recommended for all persons older than 6 months, especially those at high risk of influenza-related complications.
This year, the CDC is also recommending the modified influenza flu vaccine as an alternative for healthy, non-pregnant people aged 2 to 49 years.
Residents of Maryland can now protect themselves with an influenza vaccine by contacting their health care provider, local health department or local pharmacy.
Students in Washington County Public School from kindergarten to grade 5 can be vaccinated at their schools. The Washington County Department of Health has sent consent forms by mail, and nurses from the Washington County Department of Health will administer flu shots to students with completed permission sheets.
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