Sick and tired: Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee
WTVC••health
Key Points:
- Flu activity is rising sharply around Chattanooga, Tennessee, with surrounding counties showing some of the highest influenza rates in the state, including Marion, Grundy, and Bradley counties, which have flu positivity rates over 10 percent.
- The current flu surge is driven by the widespread circulation of influenza A(H3N2), with local pharmacies and clinics reporting an early and significant increase in cases compared to previous years.
- Tennessee and nationwide flu statistics include at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths this season, with one pediatric death recently reported in Tennessee.
- Health officials urge residents six months and older to get vaccinated, practice frequent handwashing, and stay home when sick, emphasizing early detection and treatment
