ATLANTA – Flu season is in full swing across metro Atlanta, with cases continuing to rise. Health officials say that while this year’s hospitalization rate is slightly lower than last year’s, the number of flu outbreaks has nearly tripled over the past decade. Experts point to declining vaccination rates and improved flu detection through better testing as key reasons behind the surge.
Flu Cases on the Rise
According to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health, flu-related hospitalizations in metro Atlanta have reached 2,972 so far this season. This marks a 15.5% decrease from last year’s 3,518 hospitalizations but remains a cause for concern. Influenza-related deaths statewide currently stand at 25, slightly lower than last year’s 29.
Despite the decrease in hospitalizations, the overall number of flu outbreaks in Georgia has surged. Over the past ten years, flu outbreaks have nearly tripled, increasing from 32 in 2015 to 98 in 2025.
Dr. Valerie E. Cadet, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Suwanee, says multiple factors contribute to this rise. “We have a growing population in metro Atlanta, but the bigger concern is lagging vaccination rates and better flu detection through more widespread testing,” she explained.
Declining Vaccination Rates a Major Concern
One of the most pressing issues, according to experts, is the declining flu vaccination rate. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that during the 2023–24 flu season, only 55.4% of children aged 6 months to 17 years received a flu vaccine. This is a drop of 8.3% compared to the pre-pandemic 2019–20 season.
Adults are even less likely to get vaccinated. Last year, just 44.9% of American adults received the flu shot, continuing a downward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2017–18 flu season, flu vaccination coverage for adults was even lower at 37.1%.
“The data shows a steady decline in flu vaccinations since the pandemic, and we’re not entirely sure why,” said Dr. Danny Branstetter, director of infection prevention at Wellstar Health System. “Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation may be contributing factors, but it’s crucial for people to understand that flu shots are safe and effective.”
Double Peak Flu Season & Improved Testing
Another factor driving up flu case numbers is a “double peak” flu season, meaning cases surged twice—once around the holidays and again in February.
“In metro Atlanta, we usually see a spike in flu cases during the holidays when people gather indoors,” Branstetter said. “This year, we saw a second peak in February, which is adding to the overall case count.”
Additionally, advancements in flu testing have led to better detection of the virus. At-home flu tests and rapid tests available at clinics have improved, allowing doctors to diagnose cases more accurately.
“The good news is that surveillance is improving,” Branstetter added. “We are now able to track specific flu strains more efficiently, including avian flu. Increased testing means we are identifying more cases that may have gone undetected in previous years.”
How to Protect Yourself
Health officials emphasize that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved multiple flu vaccine options, including injectable shots and nasal spray vaccines.
In addition to vaccination, the CDC recommends four FDA-approved antiviral drugs to treat flu symptoms:
- Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu)
- Zanamivir (Relenza)
- Peramivir (Rapivab)
- Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
These medications work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Beyond vaccines and antiviral medications, simple prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of infection. Doctors recommend:
- Frequent hand washing to remove germs.
- Wearing masks in crowded indoor settings.
- Taking immune-boosting supplements like zinc and vitamin C.
- Using saline nasal sprays to ease congestion.
- Gargling with salt water, which has been shown to reduce throat irritation.
Conclusion
Flu cases in Atlanta continue to climb, but experts stress that vaccinations and preventive measures can help curb the spread. With improved testing, doctors can diagnose and treat flu cases more effectively, but lower vaccination rates remain a challenge.
“The best thing you can do to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated,” Cadet said. “It’s not too late, and every flu shot helps reduce the risk of severe illness.”
(Source : mahoningmatters.com)
