Officials Confirm First Georgia Flu Deaths of the Season

Health officials say in most fatal cases, the flu poses a threat by weakening a person’s immune system.

“The majority of flu deaths are typically because of secondary bacterial infections that actually follow the viral infection,” says Dr. Patrick O’Neal, who directs health protection for the DPH.

The flu also thrives between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when people are more active.

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That’s why officials say preventative methods are even more important during the winter.

“Frequent hand-washing is definitely recommended with warm, soapy water if at all possible.  And when that’s not feasible, using hand sanitizers, alcohol-based hand sanitizers,” says O’Neal.

  The flu vaccine should also be a priority for all people over six-months old, according to O’Neal.

Health officials also say companies have recently improved vaccines, making them safer for individuals with other health issues.

“The way the manufacturing has been done, even people who have significant egg allergies can have the vaccine without a problem,” says Dr. Stanley Fineman, with the Atlanta Allergy and Asthma Clinic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu claims thousands of lives every year.