CDC: Georgia #1 in Early Flu Season

ATLANTA, Ga. - It’s that time of year: flu viruses are making the rounds and if you’re a Georgia resident and you haven’t received a flu shot, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) might inspire you to do so.

As of last week, the CDC’s Influenza Division reported Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) activity is minimal across the United States. However, the report displayed the state of Georgia as having the highest ILI activity.

The ILI Activity levels are placed into four categories: minimal, low, moderate and high. While still considered “low” activity level, the map displaying the results lists Georgia in yellow versus shades of green across the rest of North America.

The FOX Medical Team's Beth Galvin said flu season in Georgia typically begins in October and peaks from late December to early February. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, as of October 10, ILI visits were at 1.67% which is above the Georgia baseline of 1.6%.

The Ga. DPH said there were 0 hospitalizations related to the flu between October 4 through the 10, which is good news.

Health officials are still urging residents to get their flu shots.

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To view the Influenza Surveillance Report, click here.