Georgia flu activity reaches severe levels: Protect your family
The Georgia Department of Public Health issued an urgent advisory on January 5, 2026, confirming that flu activity across the state has reached widespread and severe levels. With hospitalizations climbing and deaths reported at higher rates than the previous season, health officials are calling on all Georgians to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Georgia flu numbers at a glance
Data from the Georgia DPH weekly influenza report paint a sobering picture. From early October through December 27, 2025, the state recorded 29 confirmed flu-associated deaths. Seven of those deaths occurred during a single week from December 20 to December 27. By comparison, Georgia reported zero flu-associated deaths during the same October through December period in 2024.
Hospitalizations have followed a similar trajectory. Metro Atlanta hospitals, which cover Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Douglas, Gwinnett, Rockdale, and Newton counties, reported 1,580 confirmed flu-related hospitalizations between October and December 2025. That figure represents more than double the 609 hospitalizations recorded during the same months in 2024.
The dominant strain this season is a variant of the H3N2 virus known as subclade K, which accounts for over 80 percent of subtyped cases nationally. Health providers have noted that patients infected with this strain often experience more severe symptoms than in previous flu seasons.
Who faces the highest risk
While anyone can contract influenza, certain groups face a higher likelihood of serious complications. Adults 65 years and older experience the highest hospitalization rates. Children younger than five years, particularly those under age two, also face elevated risk. Pregnant women and people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should exercise extra caution.
CDC surveillance data from the 2024 to 2025 season showed that Hispanic and Latino individuals had a hospitalization rate of 113.4 per 100,000 population. Language barriers, limited access to preventive care, and lower vaccination rates contribute to these outcomes. Georgia's flu vaccination rate in the 2023 to 2024 season stood at 41 percent, below the national average of 47 percent. CDC data indicates that among Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older, Hispanic individuals had the lowest vaccination coverage at 7.4 percent.
How to protect yourself and your family
The flu vaccine remains the most effective tool for reducing the risk of infection and severe illness. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu shot each year. For adults 65 and older, high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines offer enhanced protection.
Vaccination produces protective antibodies within approximately two weeks. Even if someone contracts the flu after vaccination, the shot can reduce the severity of symptoms, lower the likelihood of hospitalization, and prevent death.
All flu vaccines for the 2025 to 2026 season are trivalent, meaning they protect against three main seasonal influenza strains. Manufacturers have produced up to 154 million doses for distribution across the United States. The CDC now recommends single-dose, thimerosal-free formulations for children, pregnant women, and adults.
Beyond vaccination, everyday habits can limit the spread of flu. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers offer an alternative when soap is unavailable. Cover coughs and sneezes with the crook of your elbow rather than your hands. Avoid touching your face, since flu germs enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and eyes.
Where to get a flu vaccine
Flu vaccines are available at public health departments across Georgia, doctors' offices, grocery store pharmacies, neighborhood clinics, and retail pharmacies. Many locations offer walk-in appointments with no prior scheduling required. Vaccines are typically available at no out-of-pocket cost through most insurance plans, and community health centers provide low-cost or free options for uninsured individuals.
When to seek medical care
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person.
Healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medications to treat the flu. These prescription drugs work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. If you or a family member develops flu symptoms and belongs to a high-risk group, contact a healthcare provider promptly.
Anyone who is sick should stay home from work or school until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. If caring for a sick family member at home, keep the individual away from common areas and other household members as much as possible.
The Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia encourages all families to take these steps now. Flu activity typically continues through March, and vaccination offers protection throughout the season. For more information, visit dph.ga.gov/flu or contact your local public health department.
FAQ Flu prevention and vaccination: Common questions
Answers to help Georgia families stay healthy this flu season
Why is this flu season more severe than last year?
Georgia has recorded 29 flu-associated deaths since October 2025, compared to zero during the same period in 2024. Hospitalizations in metro Atlanta have more than doubled. The dominant strain, subclade K of H3N2, tends to cause more severe symptoms in many patients.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. High-risk groups include adults 65 and older, children under five, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease.
Is it too late to get a flu shot?
Flu season typically runs through March, so vaccination now still provides protection. Antibodies develop within approximately two weeks of receiving the shot. Even late-season vaccination can reduce the severity of illness if infection occurs.
Where can I get a flu vaccine in Georgia?
Flu vaccines are available at public health departments, doctors' offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, and neighborhood clinics throughout Georgia. Many locations offer walk-in appointments.
How much does a flu vaccine cost?
Most insurance plans cover flu vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost. Community health centers and some pharmacies offer low-cost or free vaccines for uninsured individuals.
What should I do if I develop flu symptoms?
Stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. If you belong to a high-risk group or symptoms are severe, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Antiviral medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
How can I protect my family from the flu?
Get everyone in your household vaccinated. Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Avoid touching your face. Keep sick family members away from common areas.
Are flu vaccines available in Spanish-speaking communities?
Yes. Many public health departments and community health centers provide bilingual services and Spanish-language materials. Contact your local health department or visit HHCGA.org for resources.
Community partners
• Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Hispanic Health Coalition of Georgia (HHCGA)
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