DPH announces widespread flu activity in Georgia – Grice Connect

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65+, of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children younger than fiveyears old, but especially those younger than twoyears old.

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the current flu report lists flu activity at the highest level.

It is not too late to get a flu shot. 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. Even if the vaccine doesnt completely prevent illness from flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people aged 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children younger than fiveyears old, but especially those younger than twoyears old.

Flu vaccine is widely available at public health departments, doctors offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics and pharmacies. To find a location near you, click on https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend the use of antiviral drugs that fight against the flu in your body. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines and are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.

There are other tried and true measures you can take to help prevent the spread of flu:

For more information about flu and how to prevent it, log on to https://dph.georgia.gov/flu. You can monitor Georgia weekly influenza reports at https://dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia. The reports are updated each Friday.

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DPH announces widespread flu activity in Georgia - Grice Connect