Flu Numbers Increase, See How To Protect Yourself

LOGANVILLE, GA - There has been another flu-related death in the state, bringing the total to two this season.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that so far this season there have been at least 2.6 million flu-related illnesses and 1,300 deaths from flu.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed more than 200 hospitalizations and the two flu-related deaths.

The predominant flu virus currently circulating is a B/Victoria strain that doesn't usually pop up until the end of the flu season, in early spring. B viruses can infect anyone, but they generally strike children and young adults more than the elderly.

Vaccination is the best prevention against the flu for all ages, and the B/Victoria strain is included in this season’s vaccine.

“Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine – not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications,” says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., DPH commissioner.

“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so now is the time to get a flu shot.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the groups most at risk are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.