Flu cases on the rise in Mason County

More than 300 have been hospitalized and five people have died from flu-related illnesses since the Georgia Department of Public Health began its 2017-2018 flu surveillance in the first week of October, according to department officials.

The flu is affecting people over 65 years of age the most and there have been 54 reported flu deaths in Canada this season, the FluWatch report said.

During last year's flu season, there were 12,912 flu-related hospitalizations and eight pediatric deaths in NY.

The peak of flu season typically lasts until March, so it's not too late to get a flu shot, doctors say.

Experts say the flu shot may be only 30% effective this year, but can still reduce the severity of symptoms for people who get the flu. "As of this last month, manufacturers reported they shipped more than 151 million doses of flu vaccine, so it should be readily available".

"More than 90 percent of beds are filled within those public health districts", says Dr. Scott Harris, of the Alabama Department of Public Health. H3N2 was to blame for Australia's most recent, brutal flu season, which led to record numbers of sick people as well as the nickname "Aussie flu". Flu symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches and fatigue. But if other seasons are a gauge, that grim tally may continue to rise in coming weeks.

FOX 5 called several pharmacies in the metro Atlanta Friday, all of which said they were running low on the drugs.

"We have seen an uptick in patients, specifically pediatric patients", he said.

"There are 22.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 people", he said, "up from 13.7 last week".

Flu vaccinations is the most effective protections against the flu, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Jonathan Ballard.

People in these high-risk groups should also consider seeing their health care provider to be evaluated for antiviral medications if they develop flu symptoms.

While the flu and common cold are respiratory illnesses that share some symptoms, you should be aware of the differences to protect yourself and your family.

Data from the first week of January (see map above) show the majority of the country is gripped by the H3N2 strain of the flu, with a majority of states reporting high levels of influenza activity.