Md. Included In List Of States Experiencing Flu Epidemic

BALTIMORE (WJZ) --- The flu has reached an epidemic level in the United States. Nearly half the country is seeing a spike.

Tracey Leong has the details.

Since this flu season began, 15 children have died from influenza and more people are being hospitalized for the illness. Experts are predicting the flu outbreak will only get worse.

Twenty-two states including Maryland are experiencing a flu epidemic.

"The flu season is upon us," Dr. Waseem El-Halabi with Sinai's Emergency Department said.

Alarming news for Katy Kahl and her two young boys.

"Any illness going around scares me," Kahl said.

She and her family get vaccinated every year.

"My kids are in school so it's better to protect yourself," Kahl said.

A majority of the flu cases are the H3N2 strain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say mutations of the virus are intensifying the outbreak.

Since the flu strains have mutated, this season's vaccine doesn't provide as much protection. But, doctors are still encouraging people to get one.

"Greatly decreases mortality," Dr. El-Halabi said. "It's not going to absolutely prevent you from getting the flu... it will just prevent you from getting those strains that are most likely to be effecting a given area."

Advice not all people follow.

"Ive never had one in my whole life and never had the flu in my whole life," Faye Pierce of Baltimore said.

Flu symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and tiredness.

The illness is highly contagious and people can spread it to others who are up to 6 feet away by sneezing or coughing.

A risk many are not willing to take.

"Scary," Terrence Jones said. "That's why I got my flu shot."

"I followed the advice of my doctor," Alan Gilbert of Owings Mills said.

Washing your hands frequently is the best form of protection. If you are experiencing any symptoms it's recommended to visit your doctor or emergency room.

People 65 and older are at greater risk.

Other Local News: