FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — State health officials say at least four adults in Maryland have died from the flu this season.
The Frederick News-Post reports the state has now seen widespread, high influenza activity for the past few weeks, and visits to the emergency department due to flu-like symptoms have been rising since November.
The Maryland Department of Health’s most recent weekly flu index report shows the majority of cases have been caused by the Type B Victoria strain, which is covered by the flu vaccine this season.
Kelley Smith is a nurse and immunization coordinator with the Frederick County Health Department. She says the flu vaccine is available and it's never too late to vaccinate.
Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Public health officials say a type of flu virus that's usually less prevalent is being reported more frequently in Virginia this year.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that of the more than 1,800 cases confirmed by lab reports since the start of the 2019-2020 flu season, 75% have been identified as type B, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
That trend is in line with national statistics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it does not yet have vaccine effectiveness estimates for this season.
