The flu season continues to heat up with 47 states now reporting geographically widespread flu. But flu infections in Georgia may have peaked. So just how much protection will your flu shot offer you?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director said on Friday that this year's vaccine is 62 percent effective for all age groups. That's about what they've seen in past years.
Dr. Tom Frieden says the flu vaccine is far from perfect, but it's still your best protection.
The CDC says this year's vaccine covers about 90 percent of the flu strains making people sick.
Atlanta OBGYN Dawn Mandeville says she's seeing more than a few pregnant women who are at higher risk of flu complications coming in with telltale signs of flu.
The key is to start treatment quickly.
"Supportive care is key. Hydration, making sure that they can take the appropriate medicines to try to get them through it. Nothing can cure it really. Our goal is to try get them through it as safely and as healthfully as possible," said Mandeville.
The Georgia Department of Public Health says the state is now in the middle of a flu epidemic, with the flu season here hitting harder than it has in a decade. So far, two adults have died of flu-related complications.
But there is some good news
Because flu season hit about five weeks earlier than usual in Georgia and across the South, the number of flu infections may be dropping in our area.
But flu is notoriously unpredictable.
The CDC says we won't know for another week or two, whether flu season here has peaked and the worst may be behind us.
That 62 effectiveness is about on par with other seasonal flu vaccines.
The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older, and Dr. Frieden says it's not too late to get a shot, but the vaccine is becoming harder to find. You may have to call around to see who has vaccine.
Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:20:11 GMT
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Memorial Day weekend – the unofficial start of summer – is just days away. Thousands of Georgians are planning to fly somewhere, which is great, unless flying panics you.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:51:47 GMT
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy.
Chances are your child or someone in your child's class has at least one food allergy. A study by the CDC released last week shows that one in every 20 kids is dealing with food allergies. It's a challenge, but doctors say it's important that kids get diagnosed and treated.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight. In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician. So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
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