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AUGUSTA, Ga. — As temperatures shift with the changing seasons, more individuals are falling ill, sparking concern across the region.
Health officials in Georgia and South Carolina are closely monitoring the ebb and flow of flu cases as the virus makes its presence felt. Despite differing patterns in each state, children in schools throughout the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) are increasingly affected.
In Columbia County, the school district reports that although overall attendance hasn’t declined significantly, a slight decrease is noticeable due to the flu impacting some students.
“We’ve been receiving calls from parents reporting their children are unwell, exhibiting flu-like symptoms, or have tested positive for either Flu-A or Flu-B,” explained Lisa Liles, the director of school health.
“We have had some parents calling in saying that their kids are ill, have flu-like symptoms, or they’ve tested positive for Flu-A or Flu-B,” said Lisa Liles, director of school health.
Flu A is more severe than Flu B, but both are having an impact.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the Peach State has seen 83 hospitalizations since the start of February.
The Palmetto State has now seen almost 200 hospitalizations, and more than 1400 cases over the last two weeks.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health also reported 40 flu-related deaths last week alone.
“What you’re seeing now is that second peak that we are getting. It’s not as high as the first one that we had around the holidays, but we are seeing an uptick in cases. It’s still Flu-A in majority, but we’re starting to see a little bit more Flu-B with the second spike,” said Dr. Ioana Chira, medical director for infection prevention at Wellstar MCG Health.
Doctors say one of the best prevention methods is catching the illness early by looking for the signs.
Dr. Bo Sherwood, Medical Director for Piedmont Prompt Care, says from there, getting the flu shot and limiting contact with others is critical.
“Classic signs have never changed: fever, headache, dry cough, body chills, that’s your classic signs and symptoms right there,” said Sherwood. “Get the vaccine. It takes about two weeks for it to take full effect in your body, but you still have time, because the flu season is going to last through March.”
Chirca says it’s also important to stay indoors and not go outside while you have the flu, that way you prevent the potential for other airborne illnesses to spread.
“It’s not only the flu. There are other viruses that are circulating—we see quite a bit of RSV. So, that is another respiratory virus that transmits pretty much the same as influenza,” Chirca said.
Liles extends the same message to parents.
“Keep your kids at home,” Liles said. “Don’t give them Tylenol and send them to school. We really them at home if they’re ill.”
Doctors continue to recommend getting your flu shot if you haven’t already, and to make sure to consistently wash your hands.