January 7th, 2026 by WCBC Radio

Cases of the flu are increasing across Maryland. An update from the Allegany County Health Department shows emergency department visits across Maryland for influenza, COVID, and RSV are all increasing, marking the illnesses in the high to very high range. In Allegany County, the overall respiratory illness hospitalization rate is 11.75 per 100,000 of population. Allegany County has the lowest influenza vaccination rate in the state. Individuals should contact their pharmacy, primary care provider or local health department for vaccination information.