Flu cases in GA are spiking. What about RSV? Here’s how bad infections are & how to stay safe

It’s beginning to look a lot like sick season. From cold and flu to stomach viruses and even RSV, germs are being spread around Georgia.

Here’s what to know about flu and RSV cases specifically and how to stay safe this season:

Are flu cases on the rise in GA?

The Georgia Department of Public Health provides a weekly flu report, indicating outbreak hospitalizations and deaths.

“Ongoing surveillance is essential to monitor changes in circulating influenza viruses, guide treatment decisions, and to understand the impact influenza and other respiratory viral pathogens are having on our community,” according to the DPH website.

Last month, there were over 190 flu hospitalizations since October, with four deaths. This month, hospitalizations went up to 501, with 12 deaths.

Is RSV bad in GA right now?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia’s RSV cases are at low activity level, with only 15 wastewater sites reporting infections.

CDC also reports data regarding epidemic trends for the RSV virus.

“This model helps tell whether the number of new respiratory infections is growing or declining in your state,” as stated on the website.

Under this model, epidemic trends are not changing, which means the RSV virus is currently not growing (last reported on Dec. 17).

How to stay safe from flu and RSV

Tips for the flu:

Georgia DPH said that the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated, but there are more ways to stay safe.

According to the University of California San Francisco:

• If you have a fever or flu symptoms, don’t go to school or work.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, not your hands, when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
• Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

For RSV:

RSV vaccines help protect adults 60 years and older. Other tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. This can be through plain water, drinks with added electrolytes, and options for younger children such as Pedialyte.
• Manage fever and/or pain with over-the-counter fever and pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Never give aspirin to children and be aware of allergies/counteractions with other medications to NSAIDs (which includes but is not limited to ibuprofen and aspirin).
• Discuss other nonprescription medications you can use for your children with your healthcare provider. Some medications you may take yourself/other adults are not good for children.

Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

Chelsea Madden

The Telegraph

Chelsea is a service journalism reporter who began working for McClatchy in 2022. She was born and raised in Middle Georgia and lives in Forsyth. She attended Wesleyan College for undergrad and a few years after that, went to SCAD for an MFA in writing. Outside of work, Chelsea likes to watch Netflix, read books in the thriller genre and chase her toddler around.