Influenza

Flu Cases on the Rise Across Maryland

Influenza cases in Maryland jumped from “local” to “widespread” over the first two weeks of the year, reported by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  This was consistent with historic trends for seasonal spread of flu virus among populations.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced July 30, 2010 the vaccines for the 2010-2011 influenza season in the United States. (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220718.htm)

This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Last year two separate vaccines were needed because the 2009 H1N1 virus emerged after production had already begun of the seasonal vaccine.  Only one vaccine will be necessary this year.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations from related complications and about 36,000 deaths.

Recommendations for Flu Vaccines:

Recommended Influenza Vaccines for the U.S. 2011-2012 Season

CDC Seasonal Influenza Questions and Answers

Fluzone- High Dose Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Information for Health Care Workers

Influenza Information and Resources for Physicians:

CDC Information for Health Professionals

Vaccination Resources (CDC)

Patient Education (CDC)

Maryland’s Influenza Sentinel Provider Program

An influenza sentinel provider gathers information about influenza-like illness to report to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Centers for Disease Control to compile a national picture of influenza activity.

FAQs on becoming a Sentinel Provider.

To sign up to become a Sentinel Provider please visit:

http://www.marylandfluwatch.org/ilinet-sentinel-providers

2011-12 Maryland Healthcare Professionals Immunization Initiative

To prepare for the 2011-2012 flu season, Maryland Partnership for Prevention, Inc. is launching a new campaign to encourage immunization of health care professionals.

To find out more go to: http://www.edcp.org/html/hcw_initiative.cfm

MD Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene Resources:

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Seasonal Flu site
www.marylandfluwatch.org

The International Situation:

The World Health Organization

CDC International Influenza

Information for the General Population:

For information on getting the Seasonal Flu vaccination, call 2-1-1- or visit www.flu.Maryland.gov. To access the national flu vaccine locator, visit www.flu.gov and scroll down to the blue “Flu Vaccine Locator” box. Type in your county or zip code to locate vaccine opportunities in your area.

Maryland Resident Influenza Tracking Survey (MRITS)

Preventing the Flu: How You Can Stop Germs (Link to the CDC)

How to find local Seasonal Flu Resources in Maryland