The latest flu numbers in Georgia prove more and more of us are sick
The ongoing flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in years in Georgia. Throw the coronavirus and other viruses into the mix, and you’ve got a collision of viral illnesses.
“It definitely feels like a lot of people,” said Dr. Marybeth Sexton, an epidemiologist at Emory Clinic who said she’s seeing many patients and acquaintances with viral illnesses. “A lot of people did come back from vacation with an upper respiratory illness and it’s a mix — a lot of flu, a moderate amount of COVID, and then a smattering of other things.”
Flu activity in Georgia has reached “very high” levels in recent weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Georgia is now one of nine states with the highest levels of flu-like illnesses.
The latest Georgia flu report for the week ending Dec. 30 shows the percentage of people going to the doctor for flu-like symptoms has climbed up to 11.1% of all doctor visits, up from 10.3% the previous week.
The data from doctor visits is based on the number of people going to the doctor with symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. It can include people who are suffering from any of the circulating viruses: flu, coronavirus or respiratory syncytial virus. Also circulating are the common cold and the bacterial infection known as strep throat, according to local doctors.
According to the state Department of Public Health, 274 people were hospitalized with the flu in the week ended Dec. 30 in the eightcounty metro Atlanta region that includes Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton counties.
The peak of the 2022-23 flu season came sooner, in early November, and then steadily dropped. This season, the peak is coming later and appears to still be building.
“It’s always concerning when you see a rise. This one is not necessarily unexpected given everybody’s risk level with travel and the time of year — but I do think it’s a signal to be cautious, especially if you’re at high risk,” Sexton said.