Flu Season Picking Up in Ga.

Winter weather is not the only thing picking up in Georgia right now.

Flu season is also kicking into high gear.

District Two Public Health Spokesman Dave Palmer said that health officials in Georgia are seeing an increase in the number of flu cases across the state.

Palmer said that seeing that is normal for this time of the year.

“Normally about this time of the year, we do begin to see more cases,” said Palmer.  “Normally flu peaks in Georgia in January and February, so it is time for us to start seeing more activity if we are going to see it.”

Palmer went on to say that the flu strain that seems to the most prevalent right now is one that the medical world is already familiar with.

“The dominant stream is the H1N1, which we saw in 2009,” said Palmer.  “That strain of flu is included in this year’s flu shot, so if people have not gotten their flu shot, now is a great time to go and get it.”

Flu shots are available at the Stephens County Health Department, among other places.

Palmer said there are other things people should do to help prevent the spread of flu.

“Preventing the spread of germs is one of the best ways to stop the spread of the flu,” said Palmer.  “You can do that by washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if your sick and not letting your child go to school if they are sick.”

State health officials said that the peak flu season is usually over by late February or early March.