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Maryland Department of Health responds to surge in flu cases statewide
- MSLHIC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Marylanders urged to get flu shot, practice respiratory virus prevention
Baltimore, MD—As flu cases and hospitalizations continue to rise sharply in Maryland and nationally, the Maryland Department of Health is urging Marylanders over 6 months old to protect themselves with a flu shot, and practice respiratory virus prevention, including frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask when visiting a health care setting.
Overall respiratory illness activity in Maryland is high, with elevated levels of flu activity and hospitalizations, according to the Maryland Combined Respiratory Illness Dashboard for the week ending December 26, 2025. Since September 2025, seven people have been confirmed to have died of flu in Maryland, and more than 1,940 people with lab-confirmed flu have been hospitalized. With respiratory virus-associated hospitalization now exceeding 10 per every 100,000 state residents, the Department recommends health care facilities institute masking for patients and staff due to the high transmission levels.
“The flu can be serious for anyone, but it is particularly dangerous for infants and older adults. This year we are seeing an early spike in cases, but the strains that are circulating are covered by this year’s flu vaccine,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Vaccines continue to be the most effective way to protect against severe complications from the flu. Please check out the evidence-based guidance on our website and talk to your health care provider to help keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.”
In September, the Department released clinical guidance for RSV, COVID-19, and flu immunization that aligns with evidence-based clinical guidance from leading medical organizations.
Last year, more than 8,000 Marylanders were hospitalized with lab-confirmed flu in Maryland, with the surge in cases beginning in early January and peaking in February 2025, according to the Department's Influenza Dashboard. By comparison, this season flu cases in Maryland began rising after Thanksgiving and have surged more rapidly than during the same time period last year.
The strains of influenza circulating this year are H3N2, including H3N2 subclade K, H1N1 and B/Victoria. Marylanders who contract one strain of the flu before they get their flu shot can still benefit from vaccination, which might prevent or lessen the impact of infection from one of the other strains.
Flu vaccines are widely available statewide and are covered by most private insurance, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. Local health departments throughout Maryland are offering free vaccines, including flu shots, as part of the Maryland Vaccine Program to adults who are uninsured or facing high deductibles or co-pays. Marylanders aged 18 and younger who are un/underinsured can receive recommended vaccines, including flu shots, statewide through the Vaccines For Children program.
Practicing healthy habits can lessen the spread of respiratory illness, such as:
avoiding close contact with sick people;
washing hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; and
covering your cough or sneeze with your sleeve or tissue.
Anyone who believes they have the flu should contact their health care provider for management of flu symptoms or treatment of any complications. This is especially important in the event of a high fever, difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms. When possible, anyone who is sick should stay home from work, school, running errands and visiting friends or relatives.
The public can find updated respiratory virus immunization recommendations on the Department website, as well as ways the public can obtain vaccines to prevent respiratory viruses such as RSV and COVID-19. We encourage individuals to consult with a health care provider about what is best for them.
The Maryland Department of Health will continue to monitor hospitalization and case rates for COVID-19, RSV and flu to recommend ways Marylanders can protect themselves through respiratory virus season.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement.