Widespread flu activity in Georgia – Now Habersham

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, public health officials urge dont wait any longer. Flu activity is widespread throughout Georgia, and the states current flu report lists flu activity at its 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 Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey.

Toomey says even if the vaccine doesnt completely prevent illness from the flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.

The flu vaccine is widely available in public health departments, doctors offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies.

To find a location near you, visit http://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/.

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 and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and pregnant women. Also, children younger than 5 years old, but especially those younger than 2, are more susceptible to flu complications.

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, visit the Department of Public Health website. You can also monitor the states flu activity through weekly influenza reports posted on the DPH website. Reports are updated each Friday.

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Widespread flu activity in Georgia - Now Habersham