Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health released a statement Friday confirming that the state is in the midst of a flu epidemic, the likes of which hasn’t been felt in nearly a decade.
The department said flu activity is widespread throughout the state, and the number of flu-related hospitalizations is high.
So far, two adult, flu-related deaths have been reported in Georgia.
Meanwhile, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are seeing numerous people come in to get a flu shot, which officials said it is not too late to get.
The CVS stores at 1201 Turner McCall Blvd. and 3357 Martha Berry Highway, and the Walgreens at the corner of Turner McCall and Martha Berry Boulevard, all reported having flu vaccines Friday evening, with Walgreens reporting a 40-minute wait for customers.
Some pharmacies reported being out of the flu vaccine until the middle of next week, while others, like the CVS at 911 Shorter Ave. and the Rite Aid at 2005 Lindale Road, said they only had a supply of the stronger vaccine that is limited to people age 65 and older.
The pharmacy at Kroger in Riverbend Center said they had completely gone through their entire stock of vaccine for this flu season and wouldn’t be getting any more until the fall.
“We are seeing some decrease in flu activity, but we are still at epidemic level and the flu is unpredictable,” says Dr. Patrick O’Neal, Division of Health Protection director, Georgia Department of Public Health.
“We are getting reports of more severe flu effects in neighboring states, including the number of deaths. Peak flu season typically does not happen until late January or early February so we may not have seen the worst yet.”
Redmond Regional Medical Center has seen an influx of patients with flu-like symptoms in recent weeks and both Floyd Medical Center and Harbin Clinic have reported a similar situation at their facilities.
Officials stressed the importance of taking preventive measures now to minimize the effects of the flu and stay healthy. Every healthy individual older than 6 months should get a flu vaccine.
The predominant strain of flu circulating in Georgia and around the country is H3N2. This year’s vaccine is a close match making it effective in preventing the flu or minimizing its symptoms and duration.
Other things to do to keep from getting the flu include frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap, avoiding touching your face, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Key Things to Know:
THE SITUATION: The annual flu season hit about a month early this year, and illness is now widespread in 47 states. Many cases are caused by a flu strain that tends to make people sicker. But so far experts say it’s too early to know whether this will end up being a bad season. Maybe not: There are signs the flu may have already peaked in a few states, though it’s too early to tell for sure, health officials say.
THE VACCINE: This season’s vaccine is well matched to the circulating strains, and there’s still some available. It is 62-percent effective, according to government study results released Friday, which is pretty good for a flu vaccine. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated; it’s recommended for everyone 6 months or older.
THE DEFENSE: Besides getting a flu shot, wash hands with soap and warm water, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Keep away from sick people.
THE TREATMENT: Most people will get a mild case and can help themselves and protect others by staying home and resting. But people with severe symptoms should see a doctor. They may be given antiviral drugs or other medications to ease symptoms.
COLD OR FLU?: Influenza is not the only bug making people sick. The cold virus and a nasty stomach virus are also going around. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference, but cold symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. Flu usually involves fever, along with chills, headache and moderate-to-severe body aches and tiredness. Symptoms can come on rapidly, within three to six hours.
FLU SHOT LOCATIONS
Here is a list of some local pharmacies that offer flu shots.
CVS Pharmacy
1201 Turner McCall Blvd.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $15-$18, insurance may cover some or all of cost
CVS Pharmacy
911 Shorter Ave.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $31.99, insurance may cover some or all of cost
NOTE: Only had doses for age 65 and older on Friday
CVS Pharmacy
3357 Martha Berry Highway
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: around $14, insurance may cover some or all of cost
Rite Aid
2005 Lindale Road
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: $29.99, insurance may cover some or all of cost
NOTE: Only had doses for age 65 and older on Friday
Walgreens
701 Martha Berry Blvd.
Hours: 24 Hours
Cost: $31.99, insurance may cover some or all of cost
The CDC made the announcement Friday, your PA saw you Saturday -- he probably just hadn't gotten the official word, yet.