Study shows Georgia drops in rank for flu outbreak

News
Towns County flu

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FYN, along with several Atlanta-based media outlets, recently reported that Towns County ranked #1 in the state of Georgia for influenza symptoms, with 8.68% of the population experiencing sickness. As of Jan. 9, Kensa Health reported Connecticut – rather than Georgia – as the sickest state, with 5.17% of the population experiencing symptoms in the New England state. According to the flu-tracking research group cited in the study, Georgia has since decreased to 3.86%, ranking 25th in the nation.Georgia flu

The percentages continue to fluctuate as the virus spreads, however, as influenza transmits from person-to-person.
“Kinsa provides the earliest and most geographically-precise information on where and when influenza-like illness is spreading,” Nita Nehru of Kensa Health told FYN. “Through our communication network that connects nearly two million users with an app, email and text alerts and a best-selling smart thermometer, Kinsa aggregates 40,000 temperature readings and 25,000 symptom inputs daily to create an accurate picture in real-time of where illness is starting, how fast it is spreading and how severe it is.”
Towns County, and Georgia as a whole, are not in the clear just yet, and health professionals continue to urge the public to receive the influenza vaccine. According to state health officials, 15 people have died and 505 people have been hospitalized due to the flu virus.
“The predominant flu virus circulating is a B/Victoria strain that doesn’t usually pop up until the end of the flu season, in early spring. B viruses can infect anyone, but they generally strike children and young adults more than the elderly,” the Georgia Department of Public Health reported.
It is recommended that influenza sufferers avoid contact with the public for at least 24 hours after their fever breaks and their body temperature returns to normal.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a Reminder to ARM AGAINST THE FLU

Announcements, Health

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a Reminder to ARM AGAINST THE FLU

NORTH GA – It’s that time of year again, north Georgians — flu season. As family and friends
gather for the holidays, flu activity is increasing. Anyone still unvaccinated should get a flu
vaccination right away.

December 1-7, 2019 is this year’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in which health
officials highlight the importance of being vaccinated against the flu during the holiday season
and beyond. This week serves as a reminder that anyone who can be vaccinated should do so
to protect as many people as possible against flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should
get a flu vaccination every season.

Since this past August, public health staff in the North Georgia Health District have given over
7,440 flu vaccinations, and doses are still available at public health departments in these North
Georgia counties:

Cherokee County: 1219 Univeter Road, Canton, GA 30115, (770) 345-7371 and 7545 North
Main Street, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188, (770) 928-0133

Fannin County: 95 Ouida Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513, (706) 632-3023

Gilmer County: 28 Southside Church Street, Ellijay, GA 30540, (706) 635-4363

Murray County: 709 Old Dalton-Ellijay Road, Chatsworth, GA 30705, (706) 695-4585

Pickens County: 60 Health Way, Jasper, GA 30143, (706) 253-2821

Whitfield County: 800 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720, (706) 279-9600

Flu vaccine is no cost at county health departments in North Georgia for anyone under an
acceptable health insurance plan such as Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem BlueCross
BlueShield, United Healthcare, and others. For those without insurance coverage, the cost is
still relatively low. The regular flu shot is $25 and the high-dose flu shot recommended for
people ages 65 and older is $65.

There are many reasons to get a flu vaccination.

Flu vaccine can reduce a person’s risk of flu illness, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school
due to flu. Even if a vaccinated person still gets sick, flu vaccine can reduce the severity of the
illness.

Flu vaccine also helps protect women during and after pregnancy and protects the baby born to
a vaccinated mom for several months after birth.

Flu vaccine has saved children’s lives, prevented serious events associated with chronic lung
disease, diabetes and heart disease, and prevented flu-related hospitalization among working
age adults and older adults.

Getting vaccinated is not just about keeping healthy. It is also about not spreading the virus,
protecting others in the community who may be vulnerable to becoming very sick, such as
babies, older adults and pregnant women.

Flu reports rise to widespread level

Health, News

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Georgia is experiencing a notable spike in influenza cases this season, and Towns County is not immune from the dreaded virus as confirmed reports continue to rise throughout the region. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) rated the current level of statewide contagion as “widespread,” urging citizens to take precautions.

During week 48, 5.85% of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network were due to influenza-like illness. The percentage is above the regional baseline of 2.4%. According to the Center for Disease Control, Georgia increased from “regional”  to “widespread” transmission between week 47 and week 48, which lists the current statistics.

Towns County flu

As of Nov. 30., the influenza rate in Georgia was considered “widespread” by the DPH.

“The flu season can be as early as October and as late as May,” DPH said. “During an average flu season, 36,000 Americans die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized because of complications from influenza. Some people, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions are more likely to have complications related to influenza. While most deaths occur among the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, deaths can also occur among younger adults and children.”

Anyone is susceptible to becoming infected with the influenza virus, DPH explains. During an average flu season, 10 to 20% of people become infected. Influenza readily spreads from person to person when a virus carrier coughs or sneezes. More so, the influenza virus can survive on surfaces outside the human body for hours, and individuals can become infected by transferring the virus to their hands, then rubbing their eyes or nose. Healthy adults can spread the virus from one day before exhibiting symptoms until five days after the onset of ailments, therefore, infected individuals can pass the influenza virus to others prior to experiencing symptoms. Children may shed the virus for a longer period of time than adults.

Flu viruses morph each year, so immunity is not long-term.

It is recommended that influenza sufferers avoid contact with the public for at least 24 hours after their fever breaks and their body temperature returns to normal.

The seasonal flu vaccine, which is highly recommended by health professionals, protects against the influenza viruses that research predicts will become most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines in the United States protect against four different flu viruses (“quadrivalent”); an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses. There are also flu vaccines that protect against three different flu viruses (“trivalent”); an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one influenza B virus. Two of the trivalent vaccines are designed specifically for people 65 and older to create a stronger immune response.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body approximately two weeks after vaccination.

Unlike the common cold, the flu typically occurs with a sudden onset of symptoms. Common signs of influenza infection include:

  • coughing
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • fever
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • chills
  • body aches

The flu typically lasts from one to two weeks, with severe symptoms subsiding in two to three days. Weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a reduced ability to exercise, however, can linger for three to seven days.

“If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option,” the CDC stated. “Check with your doctor promptly if you are at high risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms.  People at high risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people at high risk of serious flu complications, treatment with antiviral drugs can mean the difference between milder or more serious illness possibly resulting in a hospital stay.”

 

Related Archive:

Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics Coming to North Georgia in October

Announcements, Health

Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics Coming to North Georgia in October

Roll in, roll up a sleeve and arm against the flu!

North Georgia – It will soon be that time of year again, North Georgians. The opportunity to drive through and beat the flu at one of six public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics is coming in October!

The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, conducted annually by county public health departments in North Georgia, are scheduled this year, as follows:

Cherokee: Tuesday, October 1st, 9 A.M. – 2 P.M., Woodstock City Church: 150 Ridgewalk Parkway, Woodstock, GA. Call (770) 928-0133 or (770) 345-7371 for more details.

Whitfield: Tuesday, October 1st, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., Dalton Convention Center: 2211 Dug Gap Battle Road, Dalton, GA. Call (706) 279-9600 for more details.

Gilmer: Wednesday, October 2nd, 8 A.M. – 3 P.M., Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: 115 Pleasant Grove Road, Ellijay, GA. Call (706) 635-4363 for more details.

Fannin: Thursday, October 3rd, 9 A.M. – 3 P.M., The Farmers Market: East First Street, Blue Ridge, GA. Call (706) 632-3023 for more details.

Pickens: Tuesday, October 8th, 8:30 A.M. – 3 P.M., Mt. Zion Baptist Church: 1036 North Main Street, Jasper, GA. Call (706) 253-2821 for more details.

Murray: Tuesday, October 15th, 8 A.M. – 6 P.M., Murray County Parks and Recreation Department: 651 Hyden Tyler Road, Chatsworth, GA. Call (706) 695-4585 for more details.

Since 2008, public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield counties have made it possible for residents to roll in, roll up a sleeve and arm themselves against the flu safely, quickly and conveniently while seated in their vehicles.

The Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics serve people ages 18 and over.

The types of flu vaccine offered at the clinics are the four-in-one quadrivalent flu vaccine and the high-dose vaccine for people sixty-five and older.

Quadrivalent flu vaccine protects people against four different strains of flu, including two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

High-dose flu vaccine is for people 65 years of age and older and contains four times the amount of protective antigen for immune systems that tend to weaken with age.

The vaccine is no-cost for anyone under one of several acceptable health insurance plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and others. For those without insurance coverage, the cost is still relatively low. The quadrivalent flu shot is $25 and the high-dose flu shot is $65. Cash will be accepted along with other forms of payment, depending on the county.

While arming residents against the flu at the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, public health staff and community partners test their plans for standing up a temporary Point of Dispensing (POD) to rapidly administer medication during a public health crisis. Participating community partners include local law enforcement, volunteers, businesses and first responders such as the county Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, and missed days from work and school, and it can prevent flu-related hospitalizations. As people get vaccinated, they are not only protecting themselves, but they are also helping to prevent the spread of the flu to others, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination. The most convenient way to get that vaccination in North Georgia is at the nearest public health Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinic.

For additional details about the Drive-thru Flu Shot Clinics, contact one of the local county health departments listed above or log on here to the North Georgia Health District website.

To learn more about influenza and flu protection, log onto the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/.

Flu season expected to ramp up in coming weeks

News
Towns County flu

HIAWASSEE, NC  – Flu season is upon us, and reported cases of influenza are expected to rise despite repeated warnings from physicians to acquire vaccinations to guard against the dreaded illness.

Clay County, located adjacent to Towns County in North Carolina, recently reported one confirmed case of Type A influenza, the strain which has been most prevalent since mid-summer, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) states that the confirmed cases of influenza are currently considered moderate, listed at 3.4% outpatient reports occuring last week, which is above the baseline of 2.2% . Peak flu season is predicted to occur between the months of December and Feburary, although the virus could linger until spring.

A total of 2,823 Georgia residents have visited physicians due to flu-like symptoms this year, with 16 patients hospitialized.

“Every individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine, not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vunerable to the flu and its complications,” Georgia DPH Interim Commissioner J. Patrick O’Neal advised earlier this year.

Approximately 36,000 Americans die each year from complications associated with the illness. Last year, 151 cases proved fatal in Georgia alone. The young, the elderly, and those with weakened immune symptoms are most vunerable to complications. According to the CDC, it make take up to two weeks for vaccinations to become effective.
The flu is easily transfered between individuals through oral and nasal secretions, with germs capable of surviving on surfaces for extended periods of time. Hand-washing is vital in thwarting the spread of the illness.

Influenza symptoms may include a fever higher than 100 degrees, head and body aches, fatigue, chills, respiratory distress, cough and a sore throat. Prescriptions such as Tamiflu, a medication geared toward reducing severity, should be administered within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms although later administration may weaken extreme symptoms.

Towns County Health Department accepts appointments for influenza vaccinations at 706-896-2265.

Likewise, area pharmacies are equipped to administer the highly recommended vaccine.

 

Avian Influenza Update

Health

At the end of December 2017, a strain of the H7 avian influenza was found in a green-winged teal, a widespread North American duck, collected in McIntosh County on the Georgia coast. With a confirmed case of avian influenza found in a wild duck, Georgia’s backyard poultry farmers should be diligent in their efforts to protect their flocks and the state’s population of broilers. It’s imperative to eliminate contact with wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, and their droppings. Wild birds have known vectors of avian influenza. Backyard and pastured poultry flocks are especially vulnerable when exposed to their wild cousins, leaving them susceptible to avian influenza.

 

To protect the state’s commercial and homestead flocks, the Georgia Department of Agriculture urges poultry producers, especially backyard flock owners, to remain vigilant and follow established safeguards to protect birds and their owners. While the commercial poultry industry in Georgia runs the greatest risk in terms of potential for loss, producers should have multiple safeguards in place to limit exposure to migratory birds.

 

Since Avian influenza can more easily be introduced into Georgia through backyard flocks, protect your backyard flock by following these tips.

 

Keep Your Distance. Restrict access to your property and your birds. Consider placing the birds inside a fence, and only allow those who care for the birds to come in contact with them. If visitors have backyard poultry of their own, do not let them come in contact with your birds. Game birds and migratory waterfowl should not have contact with your flock. Keep your birds inside a pen or coop. Do not let them run free.

 

Keep Clean. Wear clean clothes when coming in contact with your birds and wash your hands thoroughly before entering the pen. Scrub your shoes with disinfectant. Clean cages and change food daily. Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with your birds or their droppings, including tools. Remove manure before disinfecting. Keep stored feed in enclosed containers and protected from wild birds and vermin. When possible use municipal or well water as a drinking source instead of giving chickens access to ponds or streams. The avian influenza virus can live for long periods of time in surface waters. Properly dispose of dead birds.

 

Don’t Bring Disease Home. If you’ve been near other birds or bird owners, clean and disinfect your vehicle’s tires and equipment before going home. Shower and put on clean clothing before approaching your flock. Keep any new birds or birds that have been off-site separate from your flock for at least 30 days. Do not share tools, equipment or supplies with other bird owners. If you do need to bring borrowed items home, clean and disinfect them before you bring them home.

 

Know the Signs of a Sick Bird. A sudden increase in deaths can be a clear sign of the virus, as well as a drop in egg production, or eggs that are soft, thin-shelled or misshapen; lack of energy or poor appetite; watery and green diarrhea; purple discoloration of the wattles, combs and legs; swelling around the eyes; and/or nasal discharge.

 

Early detection is critical to preventing the spread of avian influenza. If you suspect your flock is infected, call the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network in Gainesville at 770-766-6810. For more information on avian influenza, call the Georgia Department of Ag’s Animal Health Department at 404-656-3667.

 

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