BALTIMORE, Md.,— The Maryland Department of Health is issuing a statewide alert as influenza cases and hospitalizations climb rapidly across the state and nation. Health officials are strongly recommending that all Maryland residents age 6 months and older receive a flu shot and adopt preventive measures against respiratory viruses.
Respiratory illness activity in Maryland remains high, driven primarily by elevated influenza levels, according to the Maryland Combined Respiratory Illness Dashboard for the week ending Dec. 26, 2025. Since the start of the season in September 2025, seven flu-related deaths have been confirmed, and more than 1,940 people have been hospitalized with lab-confirmed influenza. Statewide respiratory virus-associated hospitalizations now exceed 10 per 100,000 residents, prompting the department to advise health care facilities to require masking for patients and staff to curb transmission.
“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,” Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani said. “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.”
The circulating strains include H3N2 (including H3N2 subclade K), H1N1, and B/Victoria, all of which are targeted by the current seasonal flu vaccine. Officials noted that individuals who contract one strain before vaccination can still benefit from the shot, as it may reduce severity from other strains.
Compared with the previous season, when more than 8,000 Marylanders were hospitalized with lab-confirmed flu and cases peaked in February 2025, this year’s surge began after Thanksgiving and has escalated more quickly. The department released clinical guidance in September 2025 for RSV, COVID-19, and flu immunizations, aligned with recommendations from major medical organizations.
Flu vaccines are available throughout Maryland and covered by most private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare. The Maryland Vaccine Program provides free flu shots to uninsured adults or those facing high deductibles or co-pays through local health departments. Children and adolescents up to age 18 who are uninsured or underinsured qualify for free recommended vaccines, including flu shots, through the Vaccines for Children program.
Public health measures to reduce spread include avoiding close contact with sick individuals, frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, and covering coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve. Those experiencing flu symptoms should contact a health care provider, especially if they have high fever, difficulty breathing, or other severe signs. Sick individuals are advised to stay home from work, school, errands, and social visits when possible.
The department continues to track hospitalization and case rates for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV throughout the respiratory virus season and will update guidance as needed. Updated immunization recommendations for respiratory viruses are available on the department’s website.
In a related statement, Secretary Seshamani emphasized the importance of childhood vaccinations. “Vaccines remain one of the most powerful and effective tools we have to protect children, adults, and entire communities from serious and preventable diseases. Our childhood vaccine schedule will continue to follow the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics, last updated Nov. 21, 2025, which is based on decades of science and evidence-based recommendations,” she said. “Maryland remains firmly committed to immunization as a core public health priority, and will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure broad vaccine access in the state.”
While the current surge affects the entire state, Southern Maryland residents can access vaccines through local health departments in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, which participate in the Maryland Vaccine Program and Vaccines for Children initiatives.