Georgia Public Health warns of widespread flu

If you have not gotten a flu shot yet, do not wait any longer.

Flu is widespread throughout Georgia, reports the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Everyone over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine, not just for their own protection, but to protect others around them who may be more vulnerable to the flu and its complications.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed more than 200 hospitalizations and two flu-related deaths this year.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that so far this season there have been at least 2.6 million flu-related illnesses and 1,300 deaths from flu.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so now is the time to get a flu shot.

Flu symptoms and their intensity can vary from person to person, and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

If you think you have the flu, call or visit your doctor.