Seasonal Flu Picking Up Across Nation

Georgia is among 29 states and New York City now reporting high incidents of "influenza-like illness." Experts say everyone should get a flu vaccination.

Twenty-nine states, including Georgia, are now reporting high incidents of influenza-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The information is for the week ending Dec. 29. The flu season normally peaks in January and February, still experts say the recent reports are higher than normal. "Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” said Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in the CDC’s Influenza Division, in a CDC press release. "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now." In addition, the CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time. …

• Photos (1)

Have You Had a Flu Shot Yet?

Flu season typically begins in October and can run through May. Find out what you need to know to protect yourself and your family.

Have you had a flu shot yet? CVS with its newly opened MinuteClinic, Rite Aid, Publix, Kroger and Walgreens are just some of the local places where you can get a flu shot.  Are you guaranteed to get the flu if you don’t get vaccinated against it? Of course not—but here’s why getting a flu vaccine just might be worth your while. Influenza, or the "flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms include muscle or body aches, headaches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, fever or chills, and vomiting and diarrhea (the latter two are more common in kids). The flu can also worsen chronic medical conditions or cause death. Unfortunately, flu viruses can spread easily via infected people …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

To Get a Flu Shot or Not?

CDC doctors strongly support it, but others wonder if it can target the wrong flu strains and do no good or create side effects. What do you think?

It's one of those debates that come around this time of the year. Should you get a flu shot to stave off a potentially unpleasant illness or—as many people say—does the flu shot create risks? According to FOX Atlanta and some medical researchers, less than 50 percent of the U.S. population receives a flu shot every year. That trend is bolstered by the growing distrust that vaccinations like flu shots can be ineffective. Much of the resarch says that it's in the public's best interest to get a flu shot, according to the mainstream medical community. In fact, Dr. Tom Skinner with the Centers of Disease Controls, a world renowned Atlanta organization, said the vaccinations "are the single most important thing people can do to protect …

• Photos (1)

Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Flu Shots with Freebies

Marietta Patch provides a selection of great bargains for the whole family each Wednesday morning.

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars. This column is dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money. It’s time to get a flu shot, and this year retailers are offering incentives for receiving one at their store. Check out the perks of having a flu shot (in addition to staying healthy) at the following pharmacies, grocers and stores: Rite-Aid Pharmacies: Cost without insurance: $27.99. Incentive: Coupon book worth $100. For more information visit http…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)