Maryland health officials report a surge in flu cases and hospitalizations that have overwhelmed emergency rooms and triggered new hospital masking policies.”We’re in this really high period of intense viral activity,” said Dr. Greg Schrank, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.”I got it Saturday. I ended up in the VA hospital on Sunday morning,” said Gregory Brooks, a patient recovering from illness. “They said that something is going on out here, some type of bug, that’s why me and my mom got sick at the same time.”Schrank reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as an increase in norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses.”It’s primarily influenza, for which we’ve seen sharp rise in activity over the past couple of weeks,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News. “We’re right in the thick of this year’s respiratory viral season. We really haven’t quite yet reached the peak, which means that we anticipate that there is another few weeks of pretty intense flu activity coming our way.”Officials were so busy with so many patients seeking care at University of Maryland Medical System hospitals that they could only accommodate an interview via Zoom.”This has led to an increase in emergency room and urgent care visits, as well as flu-related hospitalizations and even some deaths,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.UMMS alerted patients online about actions in place to combat the surge that includes increased staffing, expanded care spaces and implemented masking guideline updates.”The last week of 2025, the state surpassed a threshold that set by the Department of Health of respiratory illness-related hospitalizations, and that triggered recommendations to all health care facilities across the state to implement masking practices,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.The updated masking guidelines took effect Tuesday that requires masks be worn while in contact patients. Masking is optional in most public spaces.”You have to protect not only the patient, but you have to protect yourself,” Brooks said.Video below: Data shows flu cases are spiking in MarylandThere is concern that illness could spread even further when children return to school next week.”Be very aware of any new symptoms that develop in your household to hopefully be able to prevent further spread over the next few weeks,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.Health officials offer advice on when to seek primary or urgent care instead of the hospital emergency room, saying most people with flu symptoms can find relief with an urgent or primary care visit. But they stressed that when in doubt to call 911.| MORE INFORMATION: When to go to the ER or primary careMaryland Health Department data shows only about 37% of Marylanders have received their flu shots this season. Experts said it’s not too late to get vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of masking in crowded environments and a need for good hand hygiene.

BALTIMORE —

Maryland health officials report a surge in flu cases and hospitalizations that have overwhelmed emergency rooms and triggered new hospital masking policies.

“We’re in this really high period of intense viral activity,” said Dr. Greg Schrank, an infectious diseases physician at the University of Maryland Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

“I got it Saturday. I ended up in the VA hospital on Sunday morning,” said Gregory Brooks, a patient recovering from illness. “They said that something is going on out here, some type of bug, that’s why me and my mom got sick at the same time.”

Schrank reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as an increase in norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses.

“It’s primarily influenza, for which we’ve seen sharp rise in activity over the past couple of weeks,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News. “We’re right in the thick of this year’s respiratory viral season. We really haven’t quite yet reached the peak, which means that we anticipate that there is another few weeks of pretty intense flu activity coming our way.”

Officials were so busy with so many patients seeking care at University of Maryland Medical System hospitals that they could only accommodate an interview via Zoom.

“This has led to an increase in emergency room and urgent care visits, as well as flu-related hospitalizations and even some deaths,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.

UMMS alerted patients online about actions in place to combat the surge that includes increased staffing, expanded care spaces and implemented masking guideline updates.

“We’re right in the thick of this year’s respiratory viral season.”

“The last week of 2025, the state surpassed a threshold that set by the Department of Health of respiratory illness-related hospitalizations, and that triggered recommendations to all health care facilities across the state to implement masking practices,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.

The updated masking guidelines took effect Tuesday that requires masks be worn while in contact patients. Masking is optional in most public spaces.

“You have to protect not only the patient, but you have to protect yourself,” Brooks said.

Video below: Data shows flu cases are spiking in Maryland

There is concern that illness could spread even further when children return to school next week.

“Be very aware of any new symptoms that develop in your household to hopefully be able to prevent further spread over the next few weeks,” Schrank told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Health officials offer advice on when to seek primary or urgent care instead of the hospital emergency room, saying most people with flu symptoms can find relief with an urgent or primary care visit. But they stressed that when in doubt to call 911.

| MORE INFORMATION: When to go to the ER or primary care

Maryland Health Department data shows only about 37% of Marylanders have received their flu shots this season. Experts said it’s not too late to get vaccinated, emphasizing the importance of masking in crowded environments and a need for good hand hygiene.