The Georgia Department of Public Health reported on Feb. 23 that nearly 2,034 people have been hospitalized in metro Atlanta, and nearly 80 have died from flu-related illness, including three children, this flu season.
Hospitals in the area are working to hire more staff and obtain more resources to handle the greater influx of patients efficiently, according to WABE.
A 15-year-old student from Cross Keys High School in DeKalb County died from the flu on Feb. 11, according to WSB-TV. After notifying students and parents, Georgia officials said school districts are taking extra precautions to try to protect children against the illness.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, H3N2 is the most common flu strain circulating this year and is related to more severe illness notably among the elderly and children.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the flu vaccine is the first step in helping reduce the number of hospitalizations and any severe complications. The CDC also said that the best way to help stop the spread of the illness is to avoid close contact with sick people and stay home if you experience flu-like symptoms.