Flu activity is widespread in Georgia – earlier than it has been in recent years. According to the latest report from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), there have been 171 flu outbreaks and two flu-related deaths in the state since early October.
Now, DPH is urging Georgians to get vaccinated against the flu ahead of the holidays. Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Kathleen Toomey says flu vaccines are the “single most effective way to prevent the flu.”
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection. Vaccines are available for everyone over the age of six months.
“The holidays bring gatherings with family and friends and increase the likelihood of spreading the flu. Now is the time to get vaccinated,” Toomey says.
There are three types of flu vaccines recommended for individuals 65 years and older. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider or pharmacist about which one is best for them. However, if you can’t get one of the quadrivalents, they advise you should not delay getting vaccinated.
“Any flu vaccine is preferable to no flu vaccine,” says District 2 Public Health spokesperson Natasha Young.
Flu vaccines are available at public health departments, doctors’ offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies. Updated COVID booster shots may also be administered at the same time. To find a location near you, visit vaccines.gov.
In addition to the early arrival of flu, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is also affecting a high number of Georgians, especially young children and older adults. RSV is especially serious in infants because of the small airways in their lungs. There is no vaccine for RSV.
There are steps you can take to avoid respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV:
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently.
- Use alcohol-based gel hand sanitizers if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- If you don’t have a tissue or other face covering, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid touching your face as germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
“It is critically important to stay home from school or work if you are sick to keep from spreading infections to others,” urges Young. “You should be free of a fever, without the use of a fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.”
For more on flu prevention, click here.
