2 New Flu-Related GA Deaths As DeKalb Cases Climb

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A recent uptick of about 60 percent in flu-related 911 calls speaks to a broader concern, DeKalb County officials said Wednesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention placed Georgia in the "very high" category for influenza, also known as the flu, as of Dec. 20. The Peach State joined multiple other southeastern states.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported there were two influenza-related deaths in the week ending in Dec. 20 and 16 total as of Oct. 4.

There were 48 outbreaks and 317 hospitalizations due to influenza in the week ending in Dec. 20. As of Oct. 4, hospitalizations and outbreaks totaled 909 and 61 respectively.

“Most flu cases can be treated with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications,” said Dr. Gerad Troutman, associate chief medical officer for American Medical Response, DeKalb's emergency medical partner, in a news release.

“However, we are seeing an increase in more serious cases. It is important for residents to seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or worsen quickly, especially for older adults, young children and individuals with compromised immune systems.”

AMR reported the 60 percent rise occurred in the past several weeks. The illness can weaken a person's immune system and raise the risk of other infections, AMR warned.

“Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen can be a sign of complications, like pneumonia,” Troutman said in the release.

Pneumonia symptoms include:

• Persistent cough with mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• High fever and chills
• Confusion, especially in older adults

“If someone is wheezing, breathing rapidly or cannot speak in full sentences, it’s critical to call for emergency help,” Troutman said in the release.

DeKalb residents can call 911 or seek emergency medical aid if they are faced with the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or persistent pressure
• Sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
• Severe or prolonged vomiting
• Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or worsening cough

Emergency dispatchers may re-direct people with less-severe symptoms to the 911 Nurse Navigation service, which is used to guide people to the appropriate care options, county officials said.

Officials encouraged residents do the following:

• Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness. Residents at higher risk should also ask their healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
• Stay home when sick. Avoid exposing others by remaining home until symptoms improve.

“This is a good time to check in on older neighbors, family members who live alone or anyone who is medically fragile,” Troutman said in the release. “Simple steps like ensuring they have fluids, medications, and basic supplies can prevent a health issue from escalating into an emergency.”