FLU HOSPITALIZATIONS IN METRO AREA HIT RECORD HIGH

More than 1,800 cases in Atlanta area makes this ‘the worst season I can recall,’ Emory doctor says.

The total number of flu-related hospitalizations in metro Atlanta has now reached a new record at 1,801 during this flu season — and it’s not over yet.

This figure is higher than any total for a flu season since the Georgia Department of Public Health started using this tracking system in 2009.

“It’s the worst season I can recall,” said Dr. James Steinberg, chief medical officer at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta. He’s been the chief medical officer there for 12 years and an infectious disease specialist for the past three decades. “Worst season in terms of burden of illness, overall volume and the total volume causing major stress in the emergency room, in-patient services and in critical care units.”

During recent weeks, there were times when the ER was backed up with as many as 20 patients sick with the flu who needed to wait to be admitted because there were not enough hospital beds to handle the influx of flu patients.

Like other hospitals across the country facing overcrowding, some patients at Emory University Hospital Midtown have had to wait for several hours or be treated in medical treatment/ screening areas set up to handle overflow patients.

For the first time, Grady Memorial Hospital has set up a mobile emergency department outside to help handle flu patients.

The total hospitalizations in metro Atlanta this season are far more than the totals during recent years and even dwarf the 2014-2015 season, which was considered another severe flu season. The total number of hospitalizations in metro Atlanta during the 20142015 season climbed to 1,460 for the entire season ending in May.

Georgia’s death toll from flu also continues to mount, and now stands at 79 dead from the sickness.

The state Department of Public Health on Friday released figures for the week ending Feb. 10, showing that 13 new patients were confirmed dead from flu, one of them a child.

Health officials are urging people who have not been vaccinated to do so. The request came with greater emphasis when late last week they learned that data showed the flu vaccine this year was somewhat more effective than previously thought.

This season, the predominant flu strain is H3N2, a form of influenza A. This flu strain is associated with more severe illness, especially among children and the elderly. This strain is included in this year’s flu vaccine, but viruses can change and this particular strain tends to mutate more than other strains.

Experts say even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, the vaccine can still help lessen the severity of the flu, and reduce the chance of experiencing severe complications from the flu. Getting a vaccine can also reduce the length of the flu if you do get sick.

While the number of H3N2 cases may be starting to dip, Steinberg and other doctors said they are also seeing an uptick of the influenza B strain. The flu vaccine is believed to provide greater protection against influenza B.

“It’s not too late to get the vaccine. That’s definitely the first thing I would tell people,” said Steinberg.

Steinberg also said the number of hospitalizations appears to be lighter over the past week, and hopefully signals a start of a decline of this serious flu season.

Dr. Cherie Drenzek, Georgia’s state epidemiologist, said if you do get sick and think you may have the flu, contact your health care provider right away, particularly if you or family members are at high risk for serious flu complications — children under the age of 5, those over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or asthma. Even young, healthy adults should call their doctor if symptoms don’t improve or get worse after three to four days of illness. There are antivirals such as Tamiflu or Relenza that can help reduce the duration of flu symptoms, but the medication needs to be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be most effective.