Georgia Health Officials Urge Flu Vaccinations Amid Widespread Seasonal Surge

ATLANTA, GA – Flu activity across Georgia is currently widespread and severe, and cases are expected to rise as residents return to work and school following the holidays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is projecting a particularly harsh flu season. Health officials strongly encourage everyone over six months old to get vaccinated, unless medical conditions prevent it.

“The flu vaccine isn’t just about protecting yourself,” said state health representatives. “It also helps safeguard those most vulnerable, including the elderly, immunocompromised, and young children. Now is the time to get a shot, as it takes about two weeks for protection to build in the body.”

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Individuals at higher risk for severe complications include those 65 and older, children under five, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Flu vaccines are widely available at local health departments, clinics, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Healthcare providers may also prescribe antiviral medications, which work best if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Residents are reminded to practice common preventive measures: frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding face-touching, staying home when sick, and keeping sick individuals separated from others in the household.

Getting vaccinated and following these precautions can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death. Health officials urge Georgians to act now to protect themselves and their communities.

For more information about flu and how to prevent it, log on to dph.ga.gov/flu. You can monitor Georgia’s weekly influenza reports at dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia. The reports are updated on Fridays.