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Flu Bug Strikes Southeast, including Georgia

January 2nd, 2014

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports high flu activity throughout the Southeastern United States.

“This past week was the first time we in Georgia have actually have been designated as having widespread activity all across the state,” says Dr. Cherie Drenzek, an epidemiologist with the Georgia Department of Public Health.

She confirms four flu-related deaths in Georgia so far this season as well as dozens of hospitalizations.An audio version of this story.

The H1N1 virus is the main culprit this season, according to Dr. Michael Jhung, with the CDC’s influenza division.

The CDC reports middle-aged men and women here and across the country are the ones being hit the hardest this time around, as opposed to the elderly.

Three of the four flu-related fatalities this season were middle-aged Georgians.

“Older adults were alive back in the 1940’s or so when a similar virus was also circulating. So they were exposed to this virus, and we think they have some residual protective immunity,” says Jhung.

Although the flu season often peaks in January and February, the CDC says it can last throughout the spring.

Health officials once again stress it’s never too late to get a flu shot.