Unfortunately, this year the H3N2 flu strain has arrived well
ahead of Christmas and is taking its toll. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta reported this
week that “flu activity” has increased across the nation over
the last two weeks. Flu levels in Georgia have been considered
moderate, according to the CDC, compared to high levels reported
in nearby states like Alabama and Tennessee. Nonetheless, health
officials recommend Georgians take precautions. “We do know that
it is flu season,” said Logan Boss, public information officer
for the Northwest Georgia Public Health Department. “(Luckily)
the flu vaccine this year is a match for this type of flu. The
shots should provide good protection against the flu.”
Individual cases of flu are not reported to health officials
like some other illnesses such as the West Nile Virus, so an
exact count of those stricken locally was not available, Boss
said. However, certain health care providers do share their
information with the CDC and once