ATLANTA —
The state of Georgia is now in the midst of a flu epidemic. The flu is hitting Georgia harder this year than it has in nearly a decade. Flu activity is widespread throughout the state and the number of flu related hospitalizations is high. So far, two adult, flu-related deaths have been reported in Georgia.
“We are seeing some decrease in flu activity, but we are still at epidemic level and the flu is unpredictable,” says Patrick O’Neal, M.D., direction of the Division of Health Protection , Georgia Department of Public Health. “We are getting reports of more severe flu effects in neighboring states, including the number of deaths. Peak flu season typically does not happen until late January or early February so we may not have seen the worst yet.”
The Georgia Department of Health offers several suggestions for flue prevention.
Frequent and thorough hand washing with warm water and soap will help protect you from the flu. Alcohol based gels are the next best thing if you do not have access to soap and water. Cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu. Use a tissue or cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow or arm. Avoid touching your face as flu germs can get into the body through mucus membranes of the nose, mouth and eyes.
If you are sick, the Department of Public Health says to stay home from school or work. Flu sufferers should be free of a fever without the use of a fever reducer for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.
If you are caring for a sick individual at home, the department says to keep them away from other people as much as possible. Keep the sick person away from common areas of the house and if you have more than one bathroom, have the sick person use one and well people use the other. Clean the sick room and the bathroom once a day with household disinfectant. No one should visit the sick person other than the caregiver. Clean linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by the sick person thoroughly before reusing. You do not need to wash items separately.
To learn more about influenza and the nationwide epidemic, go to www.flu.gov.
Local News
Ga. Dept. of Public Health: Flu reaches epidemic level
- Local News
-
-
Identity Theft: Do all you can to protect your credit, debit cards
It's summertime and there may be only two words on your mind – road trip. As we hit the roads this summer for vacations we all make stops at the gas station and the ATM.
Unfortunately, so do identity thieves. They set up machines called skimmers on gas pumps and ATMs that are designed to fool you and benefit them. The devices read your debit or credit card and record the number, which the thief can collect by retrieving the skimmer or even remotely using a smartphone and a wireless Internet connection. The information will then be used to create a duplicate card bearing the number, but a different name. - Tift Sheriff’s Office investigating scam
-
Gazette asking for your help
The Tifton Gazette is celebrating its 125th year and we would like to celebrate by doing what we do best – reflecting the people, places and events that make Tift County such a great place to live. We are interested in publishing an heirloom-quality, coffee-table book featuring images of Tift County from the 1800s through the 1960s, but we need your help.
-
County millage rate remains same
Tift County Commissioners voted unanimously in a called meeting Tuesday to keep the millage rate set at 12.183 for both incorporated and unincorporated areas of the county.
The rate was set at .312 mills for the Special Services Tax District, which includes Ty Ty and Omega. -
GEMA study reveals increased emergency preparedness across state
The next time a tornado touches down in Georgia, potentially flattening homes and downing trees and power lines, would you know where to take shelter? If a hurricane made landfall near the coastline, causing inland flooding and treacherous road conditions, will emergency supplies and a family communications plan already be in hand? According to a new statewide survey by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security’s (GEMA) Ready Georgia campaign, the answer is likely yes.
-
Gazette captures GPA Awards
-
Fitzgerald juvenile on the loose
A Fitzgerald juvenile is currently on the loose in Turner County after he exited a Fitzgerald police car that stopped at Rite Aid on Washington Avenue.
-
Man airlifted in Ocilla after being trapped in silo
Authorities say a man working in a silo has been taken to a hospital after he became trapped in the structure.
-
DuVall named recipient of Golden Deeds Award
When it comes to someone working behind the scenes, going the extra mile and jumping right in to help others, friends and neighbors of Howard DuVall immediately think of him. DuVall was recently honored with the 60th annual Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award.
-
Fire wipes out home, no one injured
A mobile home located at 30 Ira Drive caught on fire Sunday afternoon. A call came in at approximately 4:22 p.m. Sunday to the Tifton-Tift County Fire Department.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Ex-Hit Man's Past Is a Shock to Some Neighbors
Fans: Gandofini 'Put New Jersey on the Map'
Does Future of Human Race Depend on Kansas Mine?
Reining in 'Bad News' Sports Parents
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51
Fmr. TWA Flight 800 Investigators Want New Probe
Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7
Dolce and Gabbana Convicted of Tax Evasion
Paris, Prince Depositions Used in Jackson Trial
Coiffed Cattle Get Their Close-up
In Berlin, Obama Channels Cold War Activism
Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day
Fed Suggests Bond Purchases Could Slow
AP: DOJ Broke Own Rules Seizing Phone Records
Raw: Baby White Rhino Debuts at Australian Zoo
Time Lapse: Rebuilding Bridge Post-collapse
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
