Baltimore, MD (September 3, 2009) – Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) officials today endorsed Governor Martin O’Malley’s urgent call for Marylanders to get their annual seasonal flu vaccination now before the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine becomes available in October. Early vaccination is the best way anyone can prepare to avoid illness this flu season.  

“You can prepare to stay healthy now and vaccination is the best protection against the flu. It makes perfect sense to get the seasonal flu vaccine now before the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine arrives in October,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services. “Every Marylander has a role in stopping the spread of flu. Contact your health care provider or local health department to schedule your time to get the seasonal flu vaccine before the flu season - and the vaccination rush - get here.” 

The call for early vaccination comes as the DHMH Public Health Laboratory begins to test samples of the H1N1 (swine) flu virus for mutations that might make the virus more dangerous or resistant to antiviral medications.  

“Maryland is one of twelve states examining the H1N1 (swine) flu virus for mutations that could have serious health implication this fall, said Dr. Robert Myers, Deputy Director, DHMH Laboratories Administration. “Maryland is on the frontline of testing this new virus strain as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) effort to track H1N1 for changes that could make it more deadly.” 

“We urge every Marylander to prepare to protect themselves and their family’s health and safety,” said Sherry Adams, Director of the DHMH Office of Preparedness and Response. “September is National Preparedness Month but getting and staying prepared is a year-round feat that everyone can do with a little awareness and effort. Vaccination is an important step to take right now, but we also urge everyone to think about the steps they should take to prepare for any natural, manmade or terrorist event in the future.” 

Additional information on preparedness:

www.dhmh.maryland.gov/emergencypreparedness
http://www.ready.gov/

Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include chills, headache, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea or shortness of breath.  

Based on CDC figures, it is estimated that 1,000 Marylanders die every year from seasonal flu or its complications. Complications and death are more common among those with serious underlying health conditions.  

According to the CDC, people at a higher risk of serious health consequences from the flu, including H1N1 flu virus, are the same.   

• Children less than 5 years old 

• Persons aged 65 years or older 

• Pregnant women 

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities 

• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders 

• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)

• Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection

As with seasonal flu, the best protection from contracting or spreading the novel H1N1 flu virus is to practice good personal hygiene:  

• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose

• If you have flu symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing 

• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use 

• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible 

Additional Information

Maryland DHMH H1N1 Influenza information:

http://www.dhmh.md.gov/swineflu/index.html

Updated CDC Guidance for Schools, Colleges and Universities, Employers and more:

http://www.flu.gov/

The Weekly CDC Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm