A severe flu season is in full swing in Georgia and across the country.
During the third week of the year, which runs from Jan. 14 to Jan. 20, there were 115 hospitalizations in metro Atlanta due to influenza, which is sharp increase from 40 hospitalizations in metro Atlanta during the previous week.
This is far more deaths than the one confirmed flu-related death a year ago this time, and the one during the year before that and the number of flu deaths flu season now exceeds the 20 confirmed flu-related deaths this time of year three years ago during the 2014-2015 season, which was another particularly active flu season.
The flu remains widespread in 49 states (every state except Hawaii), and reports of flu-like illnesses continued to increase through the third week of January, according to an update released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This season, the predominant flu strain is H3N2, a form of influenza A. This flu strain is associated with more severe illness, especially among children and the elderly. This strain is included in this year’s flu vaccine, but viruses can change and this particular strain tends to mutate more than other strains.
The H3N2 strain also circulated during the 2014-2015 season, another severe season for flu.
READ: The agony of ER waits: Flu season is making them worse
Vaccine effectiveness typically ranges from 40 to 60 percent in a good year. It’s unclear just how effective this year’s vaccine is. Information on how effective the vaccine is typically is not available until the flu season is over.
Experts say even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, the vaccine can still help lessen the severity of the flu, and reduce the chance of experiencing severe complications from the flu. Getting a vaccine can also reduce the length of the flu if you do get sick.
Dr. Cherie Drenzek, state epidemiologist with the Georgia Department of Public Health, said it's still not too late to get your flu shot.
And then, she said, there are common sense flu prevention techniques — frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water. (If water is not available, alcohol-based gels are the next best thing.) If you are sick, cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or a tissue that is then discarded. Also, don’t go to work, and don’t have your children go to school, when sick.
Drenzek said if you do get sick and think you may have the flu, contact your health care provider right away, particularly if you or family members are at high risk for serious flu complications — young children (under the age of 5), those over 65, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or asthma. Even young, healthy adults should call their doctor if symptoms don’t improve or get worse after three to four days of illness. There are antivirals such as Tamiflu or Relenza that can help treat the flu, but the medication needs to be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be effective.
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