Flu Activity Increases in Georgia as Health Officials Warn of Potentially Severe Season – Decaturish

To Jess Madder | | He was there

Georgia is Influenza activity is high statewide so far this season.

As mask wearing, social distancing, distance learning, and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies continue to ease, federal and state health officials are monitoring a potential increase in respiratory illnesses, including influenza.

The American Medical Association and the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine.

CDC health scientist Dr. Chastity Walker says it’s especially important for people of color to get flu shots this year.

“And those groups are less likely to get flu shots. “I really hope I get the flu shot,” she said.

Between 2009 and 2022, CDC data showed that black, Hispanic, Native American, and Alaska Native adults were more likely to be hospitalized for influenza than white adults, and black adults were more likely to be hospitalized. has been shown to be 80% higher.

Lack of access to healthcare and health insurance is a major factor in the disparity, according to recent reports. CDC report.

“The higher the risk of hospitalization, the higher the risk of dying from the disease or having long-term sequelae,” says Walker. are at risk of dying from

The CDC reports that people over the age of 65 are at increased risk of serious complications from the flu. People with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, children under the age of two, and pregnant and postpartum women are also at increased risk.

Overall, the CDC estimates that influenza killed as many as 52,000 people annually in the United States between 2010 and 2020.

situation Department of Public Health reported nearly 40 flu-related hospitalizations in Georgia in the week ending October 8, 2022. This is the latest available data.

“The flu vaccine is very effective,” says Dr. Willie Underwood of the American Medical Association. ”

To find the flu vaccine at a location, Georgia Adult Immunization Coalition website.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has issued the following press release urging people to get the flu vaccine.

Atlanta – If you have not yet received a flu vaccination, Don’t wait any longer. Influenza activity is already spreading in Georgia faster than we have seen in recent years.

“Everyone over the age of 6 months should get the flu vaccine, not only for their own protection, but also for those around them who are more vulnerable to the flu and its complications. Yes,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H. , DPH Commissioner. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to produce antibodies that protect against the flu, so now is the time to get your flu shot.”

Flu symptoms and severity vary from person to person and may 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 do get sick. of all ages, pregnant women, children under the age of five, especially children under the age of two.

Flu vaccines are widely available at public health departments, clinics, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies. To find places near you, https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/The flu vaccine can be given at the same time as the COVID vaccine, so it’s a good time to get an updated booster as well.

In some cases, your health care provider may recommend the use of antiviral drugs to fight the flu in your body. .

There are other proven measures that can help prevent the spread of influenza.

— Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based gel is the next best thing.

— Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or arm to prevent the spread of the flu.

— Avoid touching your face, as flu germs can enter your body through the mucous membranes of your nose, mouth, and eyes.

— If you are sick, stay home from school or work. People with influenza should be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work without the use of fever-reducing medications.

— If you are caring for someone who is sick at home, stay as far away from common areas and other people as possible.

For more information about influenza and how to prevent it, log on to the following website: dph.ga.gov/fluGeorgia’s weekly flu report can be monitored at https://dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgiaThe report will be updated on Friday.

This story was provided by Dikatulish Content Partner WABE.