Jim Martin, Commissioner 
Office of Communications Andrew Boisseau  2 Peachtree Street, NW  Suite 29.426 Atlanta, Georgia 30303-3142 Phone: 404-656-4937 Fax: 404-651-6815 
 
For release January 18, 2002 
 
Contact: 
 
FIRST GEORGIA FLU CASES CONFIRMED; NOT TOO LATE TO GET SHOTS 
 
Barbara Joye 404/656-4937 brj oye@sta te. ga. u s DHR Office of Communications 
 
The state's first confirmed cases of influenza in Georgia have been reported. Doctors are also seeing more patients with flu-like symptoms this month. But it's not too late to get vaccinated for flu, according to the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health. 
"The flu season is just getting underway here," says Ben Sloat, adult immunization coordinator for the Division of Public Health. "It takes two weeks to 
\ ' 
develop peak immunity after you get the shot, so the sooner you get it the better. Anyone who has not yet received the 2001-2002 flu vaccine and who is at high risk for complications from influenza should request a shot as soon as possible. Most county health departments still have vaccine." 
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory reported on January 10 that influenza A was found in a young Savannah man, and other cases in other areas were confirmed in the following week. The Savannah patient's physician is a volunteer participant in the Georgia Sentinel Physician Network for influenza surveillance, a group of about 40 healthcare providers statewide who report each week to Public Health the percentage of visits from patients who have flu-like illness. They also send some specimens from patients to the lab to identify the flu viruses circulating in Georgia. 
Because influenza is not a reportable disease in Georgia, it is not possible to know exactly how many cases are occurring. However, each year about 10-20% of the 
(more) 
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 
 
 Flu Page 2 of 2 population contracts flu. During the first week of January flu activity increased from "sporadic" to "regional," based on information sent to Public Health about outbreaks at schools and nursing homes, and laboratory test results, as well as the sentinel physicians. (See ph.dhr.state.ga.us/epi/flu for a chart of these reports.) 
People who are ill with influenza have fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. Illness lasts for several days, although some symptoms may persist for up to two weeks. Influenza is a respiratory illness that's spread person-toperson when infected individuals cough and sneeze. 
An influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the illness. Since influenza viruses change every year, it is necessary to get a new flu shot each year to be sure of protection. 
Groups at high risk for complications from influenza include people who are 50 years of age and older, those with certain chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and immunosuppression), people living in long-term care facilities, and women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. People who live or work with high-risk individuals could spread the flu to these persons, and should also be vaccinated. 
For flu shots, contact your healthcare provider or county health department. 
1/18/02