ATLANTA — The state Public Health Laboratory has recorded Georgia’s first confirmed case of influenza for the 2007-2008 flu season.
The first official confirmed case of influenza virus by the Public Health Laboratory is a DeKalb resident whose illness was caused by influenza type A. It is likely the flu may also be circulating in other parts of the state. All Georgians are encouraged to protect themselves from the flu through vaccination and proper hand washing.
Individuals can contact the health department, private practitioner, grocery store or pharmacy to ask about availability and cost of vaccine in their area.
Health officials recommend that everyone should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, especially those with flu-like symptoms. If you have fever or other flu-like symptoms, limit your exposure to other people.
Influenza is a respiratory illness characterized by high fever (102 degrees or greater), muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and dry cough, that can last from a few days to over a week. Children can also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Although most people survive influenza illness without incident, the elderly, infants and children, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are most prone to complications from flu, most notably pneumonia.
The first official confirmed case of influenza virus by the Public Health Laboratory is a DeKalb resident whose illness was caused by influenza type A. It is likely the flu may also be circulating in other parts of the state. All Georgians are encouraged to protect themselves from the flu through vaccination and proper hand washing.
Individuals can contact the health department, private practitioner, grocery store or pharmacy to ask about availability and cost of vaccine in their area.
Health officials recommend that everyone should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, especially those with flu-like symptoms. If you have fever or other flu-like symptoms, limit your exposure to other people.
Influenza is a respiratory illness characterized by high fever (102 degrees or greater), muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and dry cough, that can last from a few days to over a week. Children can also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Although most people survive influenza illness without incident, the elderly, infants and children, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are most prone to complications from flu, most notably pneumonia.