Flu season starts early in SW Georgia - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Flu season starts early in SW Georgia

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By Taylor Sanders - email
Officials urge Georgians to get last minute flu shots Officials urge Georgians to get last minute flu shots
Flu season hits SW Georgia early Flu season hits SW Georgia early

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

Now that the holiday season is over, another type of season has made it's way into southwest Georgia.

Officials with the Georgia Department of Public Health say the flu hit our area early in the season, and people are urged to get flu shot if they haven't yet. There's already been one confirmed death in the state but officials say the peak months, which are January and February, will bring even more cases to our area. Experts believe an increase in the new year is caused by everyone going back to work, school and the gym.

"Early on we were seeing a lot of children, younger kids getting hit hard. Right now we are seeing a lot of older adults. It's really important to know that it's not too late to get that flu shot and we are really encouraging people to go ahead and get vaccinated," says Carolyn Maschke with the state's Public Health Department.

Health officials say along with getting the flu shot, make sure to wash your hands often. And if you don't feel good, stay home.

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