Georgia has advanced to the “very high” range for respiratory illness as flu cases continue to rise nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta warned Monday.
So far this flu season, 29 people have died from the flu in Georgia, according to the latest numbers from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Tennessee, Alabama, North and South Carolina also are in same “very high” with Florida a step below.
DPH released its weekly flu update on January 5, which showed seven people died from illness during the week of December 27-January 2. There also were more than 500 hospitalizations from the flu reported in that same period.
The surge in the state during the past few weeks mirrors what’s taking place across the country. The CDC reported an increase of about 10,000 flu cases December 13-20 in Georgia from the previous week.
Nationwide, the CDC estimates at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths since early October.
Healthcare officials also fear the number of cases could continue to climb the next few weeks with the return of students to school after the holiday break, which ended today (Wednesday, January 7) for local systems.
There are several reasons for the increase, officials said, including a mismatch between the variant of flu covered by this season’s vaccine and the dominant type circulating (H3N2) relatively early in the season. That’s likely compounded by low vaccination rates.
Georgia’s rates remain low. Most Georgians have skipped the shot, with just 17.7 percent of adults and 12.6% of children age six months to 17 years vaccinated by the end of November, according to CDC data.
Anyone older than six months is urged to get vaccinated since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body.
The vaccine is widely available at public health departments, doctors’ offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies.
Chandler McGee, spokesman for the Southeast Georgia Public Health District, said vaccinations are available at the district’s county health departments daily during business hours. Most insurances cover vaccinations, but there is reduced pricing for the uninsured.
Patients typically describe flu as having a very rapid onset of symptoms like body aches, fever, and respiratory ailments, which can help distinguish it from a cold or other illness, officials said.
Those at high risk for complications such as the young children, elderly, expectant mothers, and those with certain chronic health conditions or who are immunocompromised – should check in with a medical provider at the first sign of symptoms. This helps ensure the flu doesn’t progress to pneumonia or other, more serious complications.
Healthcare providers recommend people take Tylenol, Motrin or aspirin if they feel feverish and achy. Also drink plenty of fluids.
Those in high risk categories should consider wearing a mask in public and everyone should clean hands frequently with soap and water for a gel sanitizer to help prevent the spread of illness.
Also avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through the mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
Those who are sick should stay home from school or work until being fever-free for 24 hours with no medication.
Those aged 5-24 have been the hardest hit followed by 25-39 and birth to four years old. The least impacted group so far has been ages 50-64.
For more information about flu and how prevention measures, visit dph.ga.gov/flu. People can monitor Georgia's weekly influenza reports at dph.georgia.gov/fluactivity- georgia. The reports are updated on Fridays.
McGee also said anyone with questions can email www.sehdph.org or call (855) 473-4374.
