Georgia health officials confirm season’s first flu-related death

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

The individual was an elderly adult, among those most prone to complications from flu-related illness. State officials said flu activity is increasing throughout Georgia, along with the number of hospitalizations due to flu-related illness.

“Every healthy individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald. “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.”

Carolyn Maschke, spokeswoman for the Southwest Public Health District, said that the death did not occur within its 14-county coverage area, which includes Albany.

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.

Aside from a flu shot, which is being strongly encouraged, there are other things that can be done to help protect against flu, including:

— Frequent and thorough hand-washing. Alcohol-based gels are the next best thing if there is no access to soap and water.

— Covering 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 the face. Flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.

— If sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of fever without the use of a fever reducer for at least 24 hours before returning to school or work.

Those who suspect they have the flu should see a doctor to get a prescription for antiviral drugs, if it is deemed appropriate. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within one or two days of symptoms appearing. Flu season can last into March or April.