ATLANTA (WTOC) -
The flu level in Georgia is considered moderate, but there are significant increases in flu activity across the state, according to the Georgia Dept. of Public Health.
The flu is hitting Georgia earlier and harder in 2012 than in years past, according to the health department. Some Georgia school districts are experiencing high absenteeism due to flu-like illnesses.
The health department warns that due to the early arrival of the flu in Georgia could signal a potentially severe flu season. Flu symptoms include coughing, runny nose, sore throat, fever and an overall achiness that comes on quickly.
This year's flu vaccine closely matches flu strains going around in Georgia, according to the health department. They recommend healthy people over the age of six months get a flu vaccine.
The Ga. Dept. of Public Health offered these flu prevention tips:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
- Use alcohol based gels if there is no access to soap and water.
- Cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of the 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 home from school or work. Anyone who had the flu should not have had a fever for at least 24 hours - without the use of a fever reducer - before returning to work or school.
The peak flu season is typically the end of January and runs through late February or early March.
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