Flu cases climb across Georgia and South Carolina , doctors say

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Doctors across Georgia and the Lowcountry are urging people to remain vigilant as flu season intensifies and cases continue to rise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from the flu nationwide so far this season. Children, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised remain the most vulnerable to severe illness.

Dr. Shelley Janssen with Novant Health in South Carolina said flu symptoms can resemble those of COVID-19 or the common cold, including sore throat, runny nose, cough and headache. However, she said influenza symptoms are often more severe.

“Usually, patients will complain of higher fevers, more intense body aches and worse headaches with the flu than with other viruses,” Janssen said.

In South Carolina, Novant Health reported that flu cases at Hilton Head Medical Center and Coastal Carolina Medical Center combined doubled from about 150 total cases in November to around 300 cases in December.

In Savannah, Memorial Health admitted an average of four flu patients per day over the past two weeks, with adults and children evenly represented.

Georgia pediatrician Dr. Helena Bentley of Kid Care Pediatrics said flu cases are increasing as travel picks up and flu strains continue to evolve. She said she is seeing more children with more serious symptoms than in previous seasons.

“The climate that we’re in, we’re seeing an increase in non-vaccinated individuals, and when vaccination rates drop, these illnesses can spread rapidly throughout the population,” Bentley said.

Doctors say people who are considered high-risk, or who have been sick for several days with difficulty breathing, dehydration or trouble moving, should seek medical care immediately.

“Generally, those folks should be diagnosed as soon as possible and started on antiviral medications like Tamiflu,” Janssen said. “It’s most effective if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms.”

For those who are not in a high-risk category, Janssen recommends getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, limiting contact with others and using over-the-counter medications as needed. She said most people can return to school or work once they have been fever-free for at least 48 hours without medication.

Both health providers continue to encourage everyone to get a flu shot. Multiple locations across Southeast Georgia and the Lowcountry are offering free flu vaccines.