Each week during respiratory virus season, the CDC provides information about respiratory illness activity on its Respiratory Illness Data Channel.
Overall respiratory illness activity in Georgia
This is a summary of the total impact of respiratory illnesses, regardless of which diseases are causing people to get sick.
- Moderate as of 12/6/2024
Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Respiratory Illness in Georgia
The following chart provides a measure of how many people are seeking medical care in emergency departments in Georgia:
| Respiratory Illness | Emergency Dept. Visits in Georgia | Trend |
| COVID-19 | Minimal | Decreasing |
| Flu | Low | Increasing |
| RSV | Very High | Increasing |
For more information, visit the website of the CDC.
How To Safeguard Your Health
The most protection against COVID, flu, and RSV is vaccination. The CDC recommends:
- An annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months and older
- An updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older
- An RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and older, depending on risk factors
These vaccines are available at your local county health department. Contact a clinic near you to schedule an appointment.
Other ways to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses include:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Learn and use proper handwashing technique.
- Teach children the correct way to wash their hands.
- Stay home and away from others when you aren’t feeling well.
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