As 2026 begins, Georgia remains among states with the highest numbers of influenza-associated hospitalizations, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

The state Department of Public Health's most recent weekly flu report points to a situation made worse over Christmas — seven people died in Georgia from flu-associated complications between Dec. 20 and Dec. 27.  

That makes 29 total deaths since October. There were zero flu-associated deaths in Georgia at this same time last year.  

"Flu activity is widespread and severe in Georgia, and cases are likely to increase following the holidays and as Georgians return to work and school," a release from Chandler McGee with the Southeast Health District, which includes Bulloch County, stated. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also projects a severe flu season. If you have not gotten a flu shot yet and have no medical conditions preventing you from doing so, the Department of Public Health strongly urges you to take advantage of the health benefits the flu vaccine provides as soon as possible."

For many, the flu can be easy to manage at home with plenty of liquids and rest. But serious complications include pneumonia or other infections that require medical intervention.  

Those sick with the flu this season likely have subclade K, a strain of Type A flu that causes typical symptoms like fatigue and fever, but can leave people slightly sicker. A mutated version of subclade K is being most frequently reported by health care providers, according to the CDC's national flu surveillance system.

As with previous years, the strain also isn't completely covered by this year's flu vaccine. Flu vaccine effectiveness can shift every season depending on what strain comes out on top, and how the virus mutates.  

But the CDC still recommends the vaccine for people older than six months, including people who are pregnant, and especially for people older than 65 years old. 

"Even if you get the flu, the vaccine can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization and, in extreme cases, death," the release stated. "That's because the vaccine helps people to produce antibodies that contribute to a better defense against severe infection."

The flu vaccine is widely available at public health departments, doctors' offices, grocery stores, neighborhood clinics, and pharmacies. The Bulloch County Health Department on West Altman St. is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Between 2023 and 2024, Georgia's flu vaccination rate was 41%, below the U.S. average of 47%.