Georgia's First Flu-Related Death Of The Year Reported

ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed the first flu-related death in the state this year.

The department did not provide details about the victim, but did say it was an "elderly adult."

As winter progresses, flu activity is increasing, as is the number of people hospitalized due to flu-related illness, according to the department.

"Every healthy individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine," said Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. "It is especially important for the elderly and very young to get a flu shot. And, when given to women during pregnancy, the vaccine can protect both mother and baby up to six months old from flu."

Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. One of the most pronounced flu symptoms is an overall feeling of achiness and malaise that comes on quickly.

Other tips to help prevent the flu, from the DPH, include:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing. Alcohol-based gels are the next best thing if there is no access to soap and water.
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or arm.
• Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
• If you are sick, stay hoe from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of fever, without the use of fever reducer, for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.
• See a doctor to get a prescription for antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, if it is deemed appropriate. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within one or two days of symptoms appearing.

Flu seasons can last into March or April, so health officials say it is important to take preventative measures now to minimize the effects of the flu.