Flu deaths rising in Georgia
State health officials are urging people to take this year’s flu seriously after more deaths in the state have been reported since the previous announcement of locals falling victim to the flu.
At a press conference last week on Jan. 31, officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health announced that there have now been at least 51 confirmed flu-associated deaths in Georgia this flu season.
Officials s aid t hat among those who have died so far, 25 of those have been individuals 50 years of age or older. One was an individual less than eighteen but older than twelve. Additionally, health officials will confirm that 4 of these 51 have been in the 10-count y Northwest Health District — one each in Bartow, Floyd, Paulding, and Polk counties.
Health officials are urging local residents to take precautions against the predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and the around the country, Influenza A or H3N2.
In a press release Wednesday afternoon, District Health Director Dr. Unini Odama urged people in the 10-county Northwest Georgia Public Health district to get a flu shot if they haven’t already.
“It is not too late to get a flu vaccination,” her statement read. “And know the signs and symptoms of the flu, which includes cough, running nose, sore throat, fever, chills, headache, body aches and possibly vomiting and diarrhea.”
Additionally, people are being urged to take precautions by frequently washing their hands or using hand sanitizer, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick and staying home if a person suspects they have the flu. Local residents can get vaccinated against the flu at the Polk County Health Department during regular business hours with an appointment, at full service pharmacies where available, and at primary care physicians offices.
Those interested in getting a flu shot from the health department should call 770-749-2270.
Last week, Polk County Coroner Tony Brazier cited two confirmed deaths of people who were local residents who died from the flu. Both were over the age of 70, he said.