The number of flu-related deaths in Georgia continues to rise. Fifty-one people have died so far this season, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH).
There’s been one pediatric death and 36 deaths among adults 65 years and older. Fourteen other deaths have occurred among those aged 18 to 64, according to the latest statistics through the week ending January 27.
Nationwide the statistics are just as concerning. There are widespread influenza outbreaks in all but two states: Oregon and Hawaii both showed a recent slowdown in flu activity. And with 53 recorded pediatric deaths since October, this flu season is being called the worst in the U.S. in a decade.
Habersham County is not immune. In the past two weeks, between January 15 and February 1, Habersham Medical Center treated 149 flu cases. The hospital’s Infection Prevention Coordinator Theresa Metro-Lewis says one of the reasons this year’s outbreak is so bad is because of the vaccine’s low efficacy rate. Some put it at 30%. Others say it could be as low as 10%.
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“The flu vaccine is not that effective against H3N2, this year’s main strain that is causing the problem,” she says. Despite that, Metro-Lewis says “the flu vaccine is still the best protection against the flu. Even if you do get sick the vaccine can help lessen the symptoms and duration of the illness.”
“During past seasons, approximately 80% of flu-associated deaths in children have occurred in children who were not vaccinated. Based on available data, this remains true for the 2017-2018 season, as well,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Health officials say it’s not too late to get the flu shot, but finding the vaccine at this late date may prove difficult.
Habersham Medical Center does not administer flu vaccines to the general public. The vaccine may still be available through local health departments, pharmacies and primary care provider offices (see Flu Vaccine Finder below).
Stop the spread
This year’s flu strain is especially hard on children, older adults, and those with existing medical conditions. The CDC says everyone over six months of age, including pregnant women, should be vaccinated. In addition, there are a number of other precautions health officials urge you to take.
How to guard against the flu virus and stop its spread:
- Get the vaccine.
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing. Make sure they contain at least 60-70% alcohol.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. Use a tissue or cough into the crook of your arm to avoid spreading germs.
- Avoid touching your face as flu germs can enter your body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, particularly high touch areas such as door knobs, microwave and refrigerator handles, light switches, remote controls, faucets, etc.
- Try to avoid sick people.
How do you know if you have the flu? The most common flu symptoms are:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
If you get the flu you should:
- Stay home while you’re ill. You should stay home until you no longer have a fever for 24 hours without the use of drugs that lower your temperature like Tylenol. You may be able to infect others as long as 5 days or more.
- Take antivirals like Tamiflu if your doctor prescribes them.
- If you become short of breath or have high fevers don’t hesitate to go to the hospital Emergency Room. If you’re unable to take fluids, become dizzy or difficult to arouse, go to the ER.
- Disinfect all high touch areas that could have the flu virus on them.
As brutal as it’s been, this flu season still hasn’t peaked. The season is generally considered to run October 1st through March 31st. Last year it ran all the way up until May. With at least two full months left in the season, taking preventative measures now may save you a trip to the hospital and possibly even your life.
