As flu cases rise in Maryland, here’s how to get ready

Cases of flu are rising in across the country, particularly in the West and South, and experts in Maryland are bracing for a wave of achy and feverish patients to begin flooding area doctor’s offices and hospitals.

Some cases are already here. An outbreak among 50 elementary students and staff in Prince George’s County led to an unusual shutdown of the school to control the spread of the virus.

For the rest of Maryland, the latest testing by medical providers shows that the virus is circulating and flu cases are rising, but they remain low.

Another important measure shows there are not a lot of sick people under the radar in the state. As of Oct. 17, little virus has been found in wastewater samples, which could capture illness among those who haven’t been tested.

Cases could ramp up quickly within weeks, however, and that’s “a call to get vaccinated now,” said Andrew Pekosz, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Response.

“It’s best if [vaccinations are] taken before the influenza season starts,” he said, given that it take two weeks for the body to develop antibodies against an invading virus.

This year’s vaccine covers three flu strains, and here’s the good news: Two of vaccines appear to be good matches for what is circulating this season, said Pekosz during a media briefing Thursday.

The majority of cases in Maryland so far are H1N1 subtypes of influenza A, according to data from the Maryland Department of Health. Unfortunately, according to Pekosz, those flu types can be good at evading immune protections that people develop. Still, he added, the vaccine should protect against severe disease and hospitalizations.

A vaccine can also reduce recovery time, meaning less missed school and work.

About 5,000 people across the country were admitted to the hospital for the flu in the week ending Oct. 17, according to the most recent available numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Anna Durbin, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Immunization Research, says those figures are somewhat high for this early in the season.

Durbin said officials are hoping not to repeat last year, with lots of very sick people and low vaccination rates.

So far this year, the state reports that just 8% of the population is vaccinated against the flu. Nearly 100 people have been hospitalized for the virus and one person has died.

The Hopkins experts echo state officials who have previously recommended that everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated.

State health leaders this year have linked their guidance to major medical associations, splitting from federal health officials’ recommendations. The Trump administration has issued evolving and sometimes confusing messages about vaccinations after disbanding a prominent advisory panel.

The vaccine options now include an mRNA version recommended for those age 50 and older, and Durbin said the trial data showed it was more protective than traditional vaccines. She advised people to check to ensure that pharmacies stock the vaccine and that their insurance would pay the cost that could reach $100.

Pekosz also said people should proactively stock at-home tests for the flu and COVID-19 so they can identify the virus if they become sick. There are different antiviral medication that can reduce the length and severity of illness.

While they’re at it, he said, “Also get your COVID and RSV vaccines at the same time if you’re eligible, because we expect to see cases in coming weeks.”