Flu activity is currently low in Georgia, but it often spikes in late November or early December.

Thanksgiving is two weeks away, and the holiday typically kicks off a time of family gatherings and parties where people are in close proximity to each other. It takes about two weeks for a flu shot to provide protection, so experts say now is the perfect time to get one – before flu activity picks up.

File photo of a flu shot.
icon to expand image

Dr. Andi Shane, associate professor of pediatric infectious disease and global health at Emory University of School of Medicine and medical director of hospital epidemiology at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta believes the vaccine for the 2017-2018 flu season is predicted to be a good match to the circulating strains based on experience in the southern hemisphere. However, flu viruses can be unpredictable. And the Georgia Department of Health said it's too early to know whether or not this year will be a good match.Go to www.myajc.com to read more about what you need to know about this year's flu vaccine and how to best protect you and your family from the flu.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC