Situational Update:
Nationwide:
- Week of January 5th, Widespread influenza outbreak was reported by 47 states; up from 41 last week.
- 20 pediatric deaths (children younger than 18)
Maryland:
- During the week ending January 5, 2013, influenza-like illness (ILI) intensity in Maryland was MODERATE and there was WIDESPREAD geographic spread of influenza.
- During the week ending December 29, 2012, influenza-like illness intensity in Maryland was HIGH and there was WIDESPREAD geographic spread of influenza.
- No pediatric deaths in Maryland
- Maryland Weekly Influenza Surveillance Activity Report can be found at https://ideha.dhmh.maryland.
gov/influenza/fluwatch/ SitePages/Home.aspx
What is influenza?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness cause by influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body.
Sign and Symptoms of the flu
- Fever or felling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children.
How flu spreads
Flu virus spreads mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. A person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
Who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- People who have medical conditions i.e., asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, weakened immune systems, etc.
- For complete of medical conditions go to https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/
disease/high_risk.htm
What to do if you get sick
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If, however, you have symptoms and are very sick or worried about your illness, contact your healthcare provider. Certain people are at greater risk of serious related complication. If you are in a high risk group and develop flu symptoms, it is best for you to contact your doctor. Remind them about your high risk status for flu. Your doctor may prescribe a drug for treating the flu called “antivirals”. These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications.
Do I need to go to the emergency room if I am only a little sick?
No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room.
Emergency Warning Signs of Flu
- In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:
- Being unable to eat
- Has trouble breathing
- Has no tears when crying
- Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
- It’s not too late to be vaccinated!
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Links:
Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ keyfacts.htm
People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/ disease/high_risk.htm
The Flu: What to do if you get sick: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ takingcare.htm
What you should know about Flu Antiviral Drugs: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ antivirals/whatyoushould.htm
General CDC Flu website: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Maryland Weekly Influenza Surveillance Activity Report
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