March 17th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

 Maryland health officials say they are seeing a surge in flu cases as the flu season comes to a close.

The state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says the increase began in late February.

Officials say the type of flu recorded is covered by this year's vaccine.

The Baltimore Sun (http://bsun.md/1PdxYH2) reports that state health officials recommend frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and coughing and sneezing into a tissue or an elbow in order to prevent the spread and contraction of the disease.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone older than six months old get vaccinated.