With early onset of widespread cases, state health officials urging Georgians to get flu shot

The Georgia Department of Public Health is urging people to get their flu shot, especially because flu is already widespread across the state.

DPH said Wednesday that the high flu activity is “earlier than we’ve seen in recent years” and the time to get a flu shot is now.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

“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,” DPH Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists Georgia as the second highest state for flu cases.

“We have had two mild flu seasons so that could make us ripe for a severe season this year,” said Dr. Carla Black, with the CDC.

Black said that over the last 10 years, the flu has been especially hard on ethnic minorities due to less vaccine coverage, less access to medical care and underlying medical problems, among other reasons.

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“We found hospitalizations due to the flu were 80% higher in Black adults, compared to white adults,” Black said.

Nationally, doctors have been urging vaccine-weary Americans to not skip flu shots this fall. After flu hit historically low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be poised for a comeback.

Experts say that Australia just experienced its worst flu season in five years and what happens in Southern Hemisphere winters often foreshadows what Northern Hemisphere countries can expect.

In addition, people have largely abandoned masking and distancing precautions that earlier in the pandemic helped prevent the spread of other respiratory bugs.

To find a location to get a flu shot near you, CLICK HERE.

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