North Georgia- Have you had your flu shot yet? Flu activity is high in Georgia and the peak of the flu season is still ahead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to recommend that unvaccinated people get vaccinated*. While some of the viruses spreading this season are different from those in the vaccine, vaccination can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death.

North Georgia Health District public health departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens and Whitfield Counties have flu vaccine and no appointment is necessary. Please contact your local health department for more information (each county health department phone number, address and hours of operation can be found by clicking on our LOCATIONS tab up above).

The CDC also is reminding the public that people with high risk factors who get flu symptoms should contact their healthcare provider to be evaluated for possible treatment with flu antiviral drugs. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness, and people who are at higher risk of developing flu complications based on their age or underlying medical conditions.

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*Reference: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2014-2015.htm