This winter has been a sicker one than most remember with practically everyone knowing someone who has had either a severe cold, flu, COVID, or some other type of illness. The Northwest Georgia Health District agrees and is urging several measures from vaccines to better hygiene to stop the spread.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) releases flu numbers with the last report issued for week 52 ending Dec. 30. The weekly report said there was one death, 274 hospitalizations, and seven flu outbreaks that week.
The totals for this flu season are 10 deaths, 1,582 hospitalizations, and 78 outbreaks.
Be aware the numbers don’t include everyone who was sick. It only includes those reported by doctors, hospitals, emergency rooms, and immediate care centers. Those who recovered without seeing a doctor wouldn’t be included.
Symptoms include a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Those who are 65 years old and older, those younger than 2 years old, and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for serious complications from the flu.
Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., Georgia Department of Public Health commissioner, said it isn’t too late to get the flu shot. Vaccines are typically developed based on last year’s strain, but Toomey said they can still be helpful.
“Even if the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent illness from flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital,” she said.
She advises staying home if you are sick and practicing good hygiene for everyone. That includes frequent handwashing or using a hand sanitizer, covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze, and avoiding touching your face.