Baltimore, January 21, 2026
Maryland is experiencing a decline in influenza cases after a significant surge that resulted in over 4,000 hospitalizations and 41 flu-related deaths. Despite the positive trend, health officials stress the importance of protective measures and vaccination as the flu season continues. The H3N2 strain of Influenza A has heavily impacted this season. Residents are encouraged to maintain good hygiene and get vaccinated as health experts monitor the situation closely.
Maryland Flu Cases Decline After Severe Surge
Baltimore, MD – Maryland is witnessing a decline in a severe influenza surge that led to over 4,000 hospitalizations and 14 deaths since the start of the flu season. Despite this positive trend, health officials urge residents to maintain protective measures as the flu season continues.
Current Flu Situation in Maryland
State health data indicates a downward trend in influenza cases following a significant surge during the winter holidays and early January. However, public health officials caution that the flu season is not over, and residents should continue to practice preventive measures. As of mid-January, there have been 4,202 hospitalizations and 41 flu-related deaths in Maryland. The H3N2 strain of Influenza A is primarily responsible for the current surge, known for being harder for the immune system to detect, leading to a more challenging flu season. Additionally, fewer people received the flu vaccine this year, with vaccination rates varying across counties. For instance, Montgomery and Howard Counties have the highest vaccination rates, while Allegany and Cecil Counties have the lowest. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the flu season.
National Flu Activity
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. As of mid-January, there have been 9,300 deaths, 18 million illnesses, and 230,000 hospitalizations across the United States. The CDC forecasts that the number of new weekly laboratory-confirmed influenza hospital admissions will remain stable or have an uncertain trend nationally, with 7,800 to 43,400 admissions likely reported in the week ending January 31, 2026.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
Health officials continue to recommend that Marylanders over six months old get vaccinated against influenza to help reduce the spike in cases. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Many primary care providers offer vaccines, and they are also available at pharmacies and health clinics. Residents are also advised to practice proper hygiene, such as coughing into their sleeve, regularly washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. If experiencing respiratory symptoms, individuals should stay home and away from others, including those they live with who are not sick. Staying informed by monitoring the Maryland Department of Health’s influenza surveillance reporting website and the MDH Influenza Dashboard is also recommended.
Background on Influenza in Maryland
Influenza activity in Maryland has been high, with elevated levels of flu activity and hospitalizations. Since September 2025, seven people have been confirmed to have died of the flu in Maryland, and more than 1,940 people with lab-confirmed flu have been hospitalized. Respiratory virus-associated hospitalization now exceeds 10 per every 100,000 state residents, prompting the Maryland Department of Health to recommend that healthcare facilities institute masking for patients and staff due to the high transmission levels.
Conclusion
While Maryland is experiencing a decline in severe influenza cases, the flu season is ongoing. Residents are urged to continue practicing preventive measures, including vaccination, good hygiene, and staying informed through official health channels, to protect themselves and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current flu situation in Maryland?
Maryland is witnessing a decline in a severe influenza surge that led to over 4,000 hospitalizations and 14 deaths since the start of the flu season. Despite this positive trend, health officials urge residents to maintain protective measures as the flu season continues.
How many flu-related deaths have been reported in Maryland?
As of mid-January, there have been 41 flu-related deaths in Maryland. The H3N2 strain of Influenza A is primarily responsible for the current surge, known for being harder for the immune system to detect, leading to a more challenging flu season.
What preventive measures are recommended to combat the flu?
Health officials recommend that Marylanders over six months old get vaccinated against influenza to help reduce the spike in cases. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Many primary care providers offer vaccines, and they are also available at pharmacies and health clinics. Residents are also advised to practice proper hygiene, such as coughing into their sleeve, regularly washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. If experiencing respiratory symptoms, individuals should stay home and away from others, including those they live with who are not sick. Staying informed by monitoring the Maryland Department of Health’s influenza surveillance reporting website and the MDH Influenza Dashboard is also recommended.
How does the flu situation in Maryland compare to the national level?
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. As of mid-January, there have been 9,300 deaths, 18 million illnesses, and 230,000 hospitalizations across the United States. The CDC forecasts that the number of new weekly laboratory-confirmed influenza hospital admissions will remain stable or have an uncertain trend nationally, with 7,800 to 43,400 admissions likely reported in the week ending January 31, 2026.
What is the current vaccination rate in Maryland?
Vaccination rates vary across counties in Maryland. For instance, Montgomery and Howard Counties have the highest vaccination rates, while Allegany and Cecil Counties have the lowest. Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination and other preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the flu season.
What is the Maryland Department of Health’s recommendation for healthcare facilities?
Respiratory virus-associated hospitalization now exceeds 10 per every 100,000 state residents, prompting the Maryland Department of Health to recommend that healthcare facilities institute masking for patients and staff due to the high transmission levels.
Key Features of the Flu Situation in Maryland
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flu-Related Deaths in Maryland | 41 deaths as of mid-January |
| Hospitalizations in Maryland | 4,202 hospitalizations as of mid-January |
| Primary Flu Strain | H3N2 strain of Influenza A |
| Vaccination Rates in Maryland | Varies by county; highest in Montgomery and Howard Counties, lowest in Allegany and Cecil Counties |
| CDC National Flu Data | 9,300 deaths, 18 million illnesses, and 230,000 hospitalizations nationwide as of mid-January |
| CDC Flu Forecast | 7,800 to 43,400 new weekly laboratory-confirmed influenza hospital admissions likely reported in the week ending January 31, 2026 |
| Maryland Department of Health Recommendation | Healthcare facilities should institute masking for patients and staff due to high transmission levels |
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