The flu is severe in Georgia and across the U.S. this year.
The latest numbers released last week by the Georgia Department of Public Health, report that 12 Georgians have died from the flu during this influenza season.
That’s up from only one flu-related death that was reported during this same time period last year.
There were also 40 hospitalizations in metro Atlanta because of the flu from January 7th to January 13th.
According to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu that is circulating is H3N2. That strain was included in the flu vaccine, but H3N2 is known to mutate, and also to cause more severe illness.
However, people are still urged to get the flu shot if they have not done so already. Having the vaccine can reduce the severity and length of the flu.