Friday, January 18, 2013
Yes, but some stores struggle to keep the vaccine in stock.
Even though flu numbers may be dropping in Maryland, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that as of Jan. 5 (the most recent data available), 48 states, including Maryland and Virginia, continued to see "widespread" influenza activity, with California, Mississippi and Washington, DC, showing only "local" activity. The CDC's website recommends that "[the] single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year." However, it may be challenging to find a flu shot in your area. In Montgomery County, at least one CVS in Wheaton is finding it difficult to keep the vaccine in stock. "We do have the flu vaccine if you come in today," pharmacy technician Luis Velasco said this week. "Last Thursday, we ran out…
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Flu season hits early and hard in the United States, says CDC.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
- Ben Gross
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Wednesday, December 5, 2012
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) FluView flu activity tracker, the influenza virus has “increased substantially” in the south central and Southeast regions of the country, and has come the earliest since the 2003-2004: While influenza vaccines have been around since 1945, the type that contains a live virus have only been used since 2003, and many people still wonder if they should get a flu vaccine shot. Today, there are two basic types of flu vaccines – traditional needle injection and a nasal spray. Who should get a flu shot? The CDC believes that all persons aged 6 months and older should be vaccinated on a yearly basis, but especially urges the shot for children under 5 …
Monday, January 24, 2011
Flu is on a steady increase in Maryland, but residents are getting better at protecting themselves and cases aren’t as bad as last year, according to health officials.
Flu cases are on the rise across Maryland, and the H1N1 virus that caused a pandemic in 2009 is among the strains. The state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reported “widespread” flu activity in mid January and expects the number of people who get sick, require hospitalization or die from flu to peak in late February. But the flu has two strikes against it this year: The vaccine protects against the three most common strains of the virus, including H1N1, and people are getting better at personal hygiene, said Dr. Jeff Sternlicht, chairman of emergency medicine at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) in Baltimore. “Overall hygiene has markedly improved since last year,” he said. “Hand-washing, coughing into the arm … people have …
