As holiday travel ramps up, public health officials are bracing for heightened flu activity, with Georgia already classified as "high" in terms of flu cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a 14.8% increase in flu cases nationally in the week of Dec. 5-13; during that period, Georgia's Department of Public Health recorded 153 hospitalizations in the metro area and 12 outbreaks, with totals since the season began reaching 12 deaths and 501 hospitalizations linked to the flu, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
In a separate development, WRDW cites medical experts warning about a formidable strain of Influenza A, identified as subclade K. It is highly contagious, causes intense symptoms quickly, and is expected to peak later in the year. This presents a challenge, as the strain evolved after the creation of this season’s flu vaccine, making the vaccine less effective against the new mutation. However, doctors emphasize that vaccination remains crucial for prevention.
Georgia is not alone in dealing with this concerning uptick; South Carolina is also experiencing high flu case numbers and, notably, influenza A remains the most frequently reported flu virus this season. Former "Big Brother" contestant and Atlanta local Mickey Lee's battle with the flu, resulting in multiple cardiac arrests, highlights the potential severity of the illness, as shared by Entertainment Weekly and reposted on Lee's Instagram.
Despite the concerns about the new strain, experts like Professor Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health state that while the subclade K virus "may allow it to evade some but not all of the influenza vaccine-induced protection," the vaccine still stands as a key measure, Pekosz told WRDW. Medical professionals continue to recommend the usual preventative methods against the flu: getting vaccinated, hand washing, covering coughs, and ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces amidst the holiday bustle and gatherings.
For those who do contract the flu, treatment remains viable, with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Zofluza proving effective against this season's strain. Direct quotes from healthcare providers like Dr. Ioana Chirca, of Wellstar MCG hospital, tell us, "Things like Tamiflu or Zofluza, these are two medications that are being used for influenza and they remain effective on this flu strain," as obtained by WRDW. Amid the alerts, healthcare providers also stress seeking medical attention at the onset of symptoms, especially for individuals with preexisting health conditions or compromised immune systems.
