Eight Flu Symptoms as Ga. Suffers Through Early Season

For the past two weeks, Georgia has experienced some of the highest levels of influenza diagnoses in the nation during the 2014-2015 influenza season.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 states and Puerto Rico are experiencing high influenza activity this week.

With Georgia’s flu rate one of the highest in the nation, the Polk County School District was forced to close its 10 schools two days early for the holiday break because so many students and teachers were home sick.

Georgia has had five flu deaths so far this year. All five were patients over 60 with other medical issues putting them at higher risk.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, according to the CDC. Unlike the common cold, the flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

1. Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Muscle or body aches
6. Headaches
7. Fatigue (tiredness)
8. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

It is important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

In addition to getting a flu shot, Cobb-Douglas Public Health said the following tips may help you avoid becoming ill:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children home
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then put used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve

Head over to FluView for an interactive map of the CDC’s weekly influenza surveillance report.

Image: Courtesy of the CDC