Prince Frederick, MD – It’s the end of March, the weather is warming up and spring arrived several days ago. Surely flu season must be over by now, right? There is evidence to suggest that is not the case. According to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the state remains in the throes of a significant number of reported cases of influenza in numbers greater than they were in late January and early February, when you might expect the numbers to be high.
“During the week ending March 18, influenza-like illness intensity was high and there was widespread geographic spread of influenza,” state health officials reported. A majority of those examined tested positive for “Influenza Type B.” available state health data indicates the “high intensity level “of flu started back during the week that ended Feb. 11. Then five out of the next six weeks remained at the high intensity level.
While Type B Influenza may cause a less severe reaction than Type A, state health officials report it can still be extremely harmful. However, Type B Flu viruses do not cause pandemics—that is, an outbreak of epidemic proportions.
There is the possibility that some people experiencing nasal congestion, headaches and sore throats might believe they have allergies, but local health officials say that may not be the case. “It is recommended that anyone who is having symptoms of the flu, allergies, or any medical condition that impacts their daily lives, should seek medical care,” said St. Mary’s County Health Department Division Director for Public Health Preparedness and Response Terry Prochnow.
For the latest information in Maryland’s ongoing flu surveillance, visit the DHMH web site.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com