Respiratory illnesses at ‘the highest level’ locally
Georgia Department of Public Health has released its newest weekly flu report — and that shows that flu activity in Georgia is at what DPH is calling “the highest level.”
From early October to the end of December, DPH reports 10 deaths in Georgia from the flu, and several thousand confirmed positive cases of flu. The last week of December alone, Georgia saw nearly a thousand confirmed positive cases. That’s not to mention likely other cases that have gone unconfirmed due to lack of testing.
Dr. Kathleen E. Toomey, DPH commissioner, said that it’s imperative that Georgians go get their flu shots.
“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,” she said. “Even if the vaccine doesn’t completely prevent illness from flu, it can help reduce the severity and risk of serious complications and keep people out of the hospital.”
Flu symptoms and their severity can vary but can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Those aged 65 and up, those with certain chronic conditions, pregnant people, and children under age five (especially under age two) are all at higher risk of developing serious complications.
Flu vaccines can decrease that risk. To find a location for vaccination, visit vaccines. gov/find-vaccines. Those who are infected may also be able to seek antivirals to fight the flu — these are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Back in late November, the Centers for Disease Control noted that flu vaccinations were down countrywide — among children it was down by six or seven percentage points and among adults, about three points lower. CDC also asserts that flu vaccinations significantly decrease the risk of severe illness leading to hospitalization, by 23% in those 18 to 64 and by 41% in those 65 and older.
While DPH is currently focusing on the flu, other viruses are also around — adenovirus, hMPV, parainfluenza, rhino-entero (common cold), and RSV are all circulating as well as COVID-19. For the week ending in Dec. 30, CDC reported test positivity rates of 12.4% for COVID, 17.5% for influenza, and 10.2% for RSV, indicating high spread of those illnesses nationwide.
That’s further indicated by the number of outpatient visits reported to ILINet during the week ending in Dec. 30 — illnesses including a fever and either a cough or sore throat. In the 2019-20 season, 7% of patient visits were due to those respiratory illnesses. In the 202324 season, it’s 6.9%.
To prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, there are plenty of what DPH calls “tried and true” measures that the public can take:
♦ Frequent handwashing with soap and warm water
♦ Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot access soap and water
♦ Coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow or arm
♦ Avoiding touching your face and mucus membranes
♦ Staying home if you’re sick — return to school or work only when fever free without fever reducing medication for at least 24 hours
Those looking to test to confirm whether they’re sick can do so at a 24/7 PCR testing kiosk conveniently located at AdventHealth Gordon, 1035 Red Bud Road. Those looking to test for flu and COVID should register at the kiosk, perform two nasal swabs (one for each test), and then place those specimens in the kiosk.
Individuals should receive their results via email or text within 48 hours of their test. Preregistration is not required but can be accessed at register.testandgo.com.
There is no out-of-pocket cost, but insurance will be billed for patients with insurance.
For more information about COVID and influenza visit dph.georgia.gov/covid-19 or dph.georgia.gov/flu.