Flu Activity Sees Major Jump Nationwide, Including In Georgia

GEORGIA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a dramatic spike in flu cases during the last week of December. Government health officials say 2019 total flu cases through Dec. 28 led to at least 6.4 million illnesses, 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths.

For comparison, the CDC reported a total of 4.6 million illnesses, 39,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths in its weekly report ending on Dec. 21.

So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most illnesses are the result of the influenza B/Victoria viruses, which the agency said varies by region and age group.

The latest data from the agency shows that the virus has been widespread or striking regionally in 45 states, including Georgia.

The geographic spread of flu activity does not measure the severity of the virus, but seasonal influenza activity throughout the nation has now been elevated for seven weeks in a row.

The CDC’s surveillance of influenza-like-illness measures the level of flu activity within a state. According to the latest data, flu activity is high in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, New York City and 34 states, including Georgia.

Each year from October to mid-May, Georgia's Department of Public Health tracks flu activity throughout the state and reports the findings in the Georgia Weekly Influenza Report.

The most recent report, from Dec. 22 to 28, 2019, shows:

• Confirmed deaths: 6
• Metro Area Hospitalizations: 39 hospitalizations were reported
• Influenza Outbreaks: 2 outbreaks were reported

The groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults