Metro Atlanta flu outbreak worst in years, doctors say
11Alive.com••health
Key Points:
- Georgia is experiencing one of its most severe flu seasons in nearly a decade, with cases and hospitalizations rising sharply across the state, according to health officials and the CDC.
- The Georgia Department of Public Health reported over 300 flu-related hospitalizations in metro Atlanta in the latest week, and DeKalb County has seen a 60% increase in flu-related 911 calls.
- Emory Healthcare has launched a 24/7 flu hotline staffed by nurses to help triage patients and preserve hospital capacity for severe cases by directing others to appropriate outpatient care.
- Doctors warn that flu activity remains high and expect the upcoming months to be challenging, urging residents to get vaccinated as the flu vaccine continues to offer strong protection against severe illness
