Flu Strikes Early - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Flu Strikes Early

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

The flu is hitting folks in Georgia hard this year and it's here earlier than usual.

That means this flu season could be a long one.

Public health officials say so far they've had more than 1,400 positive flu cases in the southwest public health district's 14-county region, with an additional 6,000 people reporting flu like symptoms.

Numerous people have been hospitalized, especially kids.

The single most effective way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine. And it's not too late to get one.

"You may think I'm pregnant, I don't need to get a flu shot, but actually it is encouraged especially since we are seeing increased numbers of flu in that population," said Jacqueline Jenkins, a public health epidemiologist.

If you are sick, stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever without the use of a fever reducer for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.

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