The flu has come on like gangbusters in the last couple of weeks hitting a month earlier than usual. The seasonal flu is one of those things that do not really seem all that bad until you actually catch the flu. So what do you need to know about it? Do you need to get vaccinated?
Walk into any emergency room and they will tell you the flu is here. According to the CDC's Flu Activity and Surveillance Map, Georgia is at "orange" or moderate to high flu levels. Most of the south is already in the bright red.
A third of the way through the flu season and the CDC says less than 40 percent of Americans have actually gotten vaccinated.
Children's Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Jim Fortenberry says if you haven't, get it.
There is a 5 to 20 percent chance of catching the flu each year and getting vaccinated will not protect you 100 percent. For all groups, the vaccine is 60 percent effective. It works better if you are younger and healthy. If offers less protection to seniors and people with health issues.
How much protection you receive from the vaccine depends on how good a match the vaccine is to the flu strains circulating.
"The strains that are in it appear to be very consistent with the kind of flu that's out there. So the flu vaccine does work in help preventing getting the flu, so it's not too late," said Dr. Fortenberry.
The flu is a respiratory virus, usually contagious for about five to seven days after someone first develops symptoms. So it is best to avoid close contact with anyone who appears ill.
Don't touch your mouth, eyes and nose and wash your hands often with soap and water.
Also, make sure if someone in your home or office catches the flu, to wipe down any areas that get touched a lot. This includes door handles, computer keyboards and mice, phones, and any other common surfaces.
If your child is healthy and gets the flu, Dr. Fortenberry says to skip the ER and stay at home. Treat the child with rest, fluids and Tylenol to break the fever.
And if you get sick, make sure not to go to school, work or out in public until at least 24 hours following a fever breaking.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
