According to a new report by 11Alive, Atlantans are seeing one of the most severe influenza outbreaks in years. And flu season isn’t over yet. To learn more about what’s going on, how to stay safe, and everything else you need to know, keep scrolling!
What’s going on with the flu in Atlanta?
It feels like everyone’s sick with the flu these days… and that’s not far from the truth. The CDC, which is based in Atlanta, lists Georgia among the states with a ‘very high’ flu activity level.
Dr. Gavin Harris, an infectious disease specialist with Emory Healthcare said to 11Alive,
This is one of the most severe years we’ve seen in a little bit… The amount of flu cases and the increase in positive test results are unlike anything we’ve seen in almost a decade.
And to top it off, doctors warn that peak flu season is still yet to come, so we’re not over the worst of it yet. Over these next few months, it’ll be super important to protect yourself against the flu as best you can!
The Georgia Department of Public Health also reports 300+ flu-related hospitalizations in the metro Atlanta area during this most recent week of flu activity tracking.
How do I stay safe during this flu outbreak in Atlanta?
First of all, it’s not too late to get your flu shot!
Dr. Gavin Harris says that even though the flu vaccine might not be a perfect match for every single circulating flu strain this year, the vaccine remains “incredibly effective at preventing severe cases and hospitalizations.”
If you’ve already gotten your flu shot, there are also other ways to stay safe. Here’s how you can protect yourself from catching the flu, according to the CDC
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or might be sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. Whenever possible, stay home from work, school, and errands while you’re sick. The CDC expands, saying that you can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
- Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wearing a mask is an additional prevention strategy that you can choose to do to further protect yourself and others. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.
- Clean your hands often & well, with soap and warm water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
- Take steps for cleaner air.
- Practice good hygiene and other healthy habits.
This year’s flu is a doozy, Atlanta. Stay safe and make sure to take care of yourself if you get sick!