What You Should Know to Fight 2014-2015 Georgia Flu Season

By Tom Edathikunnel

Recent reports from the Centers for Disease Control show that the flu season is gaining momentum in Georgia. While the CDC shows that flu activity is low across other parts of the United States, Georgia cases are increasing with a peak expected in Januarys.

While it may not be possible to predict what any flu season may be like, its unpredictable nature is exactly why it can be so severe. Due to the virus’s constant evolution, it is common to find new flu strains appearing across the country each year. The flu season covers a range of months, but its peak activity commonly occurs between December and February. However according to the CDC, activity can begin as early as October and occur as late as May.

Tracking the spread and outbreak of the flu is a crucial factor in containing and alleviating the impact of the disease. The CDC provides weekly flu data which classifies flu activity throughout United States. According to the Chicago Tribune, Walgreens Pharmacy’s surveyed 8,000 stores for state data and 7,2000 nationwide, excluding seven states, for market-area data. This local data has allowed residents throughout the nation to view a vivid picture of areas with the highest flu activity

Additionally, Google Flu Trends tracks a number of key terms that demonstrate a good indication of local flu activity. This aggregation of Google Search data not only tracks current activity, but allows residents to compare data from previous years as well.

Those infected with the flu are able to infect others one full day before symptoms begin to develop and up to seven days after becoming sick, which means that you are able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick and after you recover.

Families, particularly with elderly and infant members are particularly susceptible to the flu virus. It is strongly recommended that everyone above the age of six months receive a flu vaccine as the first step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are multiple flu viruses at any given time, the seasonal vaccine is designed to protect against its most common for.

Alongside a vaccine taking these everyday preventative actions can easily reduce the chances of spreading and germinating the disease:

• Try and avoid close contact with sick people
• If you or your child gets sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for a full 24 hours after the flu gone.
• Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissue after use. Avoid leaving them on desks or tables. Keep an adequate supply of tissues, soap, and hand sanitizer around your home and office.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water is no available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with flu germs. These include frequently touched objects like doorknobs, keyboards, handrails and phones.

Image: Chicago Tribune