Southwest Georgia flu activity increases

ALBANY — More people in southwest Georgia are contracting the flu, officials with Phoebe Putney Health System said.

During the week ending on Sunday, the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital lab confirmed 38 flu cases, the highest weekly total so far this flu season. Officials said the number of positive tests over the last three weeks exceeds the combined total of the previous 17 weeks of the season.

“It is not uncommon to see an increase in flu activity in February,” Phoebe Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Kitchen said. “While flu season can extend well into spring, it often peaks in February. It is especially important right now for southwest Georgians to try to minimize the spread of the illness by practicing proper hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing into their elbows, seeking treatment at the onset of flu symptoms and avoiding contact with others as much as possible until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu activity remains high in Georgia, and cases are increasing throughout the southwest Georgia region.

“We have already confirmed 80 flu cases at Phoebe Sumter (Medical Center) in February, compared to 60 during the entire month of January,” Phoebe Sumter CEO Brandi Lunneborg said. “We want people to know it’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their families, and the vaccine remains the best prevention method.”

So far, this flu season has not been as severe as last season’s. Last year, flu cases in Georgia spiked throughout the month of January before peaking in early February.

“It’s too early to predict when this flu season will peak,” Kitchen said. “We simply want people to be aware that flu activity has increased significantly in the last few weeks, and we encourage them to do all they can to avoid the illness.”

Flu season visitation restrictions remain in effect at all Phoebe hospitals. Children under age 18 should not visit the hospital, and patient visitors should be limited to those assisting with the care of the patient.

The most recent flu report from the Georgia Department of Public Health showed that during the week ending on Feb. 2, the proportion of outpatient visits for flu-like illness was 5 percent, above the regional baseline of 2.2 percent. Geographically, activity was widespread.

One death was confirmed in Georgia during the week, along with three outbreaks. Twelve percent of specimens tested positive for flu by clinical laboratories in the state.

Since Sept. 30, a total of 19 flu-related deaths and 36 outbreaks have been reported in Georgia.

Jennifer Parks