Flu cases spread across Georgia as CDC reports millions of illnesses nationwide

Recent CDC estimates show the 2025 flu season has caused at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Recent CDC estimates show the 2024-2025 flu season has caused at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths.

According to the North Central Health District (NCHD), the flu season in Georgia usually lasts between September and April.

NCHD public information officer Michael Hokanson says this season may bring another spike of the flu.

“We usually see spikes in flu activity,” he said. “Of course flu season in Georgia can last anywhere between the ending of September all through March and April. This season does look like there is a bit of higher activity than previous seasons, and this one might actually have a second spike, which isn’t unheard of but it is something for people to be aware of.”

He explains some things you can do to keep you from getting the virus. 

“Washing your hands,” he said. “Making sure that you are staying away from those that are sick, and if you are caring for somebody that is sick, taking steps to protect yourself while in that environment. With respiratory illnesses, it’s spread very easily. So if you are somebody that is sick yourself, we definitely want you to stay home, take time off work, take time off school. It’s very important to get that rest and recovery.”

According to Charles Soares, an attending physician with Piedmont Macon, Influenza A is the dominate flu strain circulating right now. That’s why he recommends getting a flu shot. 

“Like all vaccines, it’s a way to kind of give your immune system a cheat sheet to fighting the virus off,” he said. “It’s like giving a little booster before so your body knows exactly what it’s fighting off, and can ramp up and create a good defense for you prior to actually getting the full-on illness. So, they do a very good job at making those symptoms that you’ll get a lot less severe and help prevent you from having to stay in the hospital with us.”

He also says those who are high-risk should prioritize getting the vaccine.

“I would definitely recommend anyone with any kind of respiratory illnesses, such as COPD or asthma, anybody with a lot of underlying comorbid conditions, so things like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, all those people who, when they get sick, they get sicker than other people, and also those individuals who are over the age of 65, I would definitely recommend getting that vaccine to help prevent a more serious influenza case.”

Soares believes familiar Covid restrictions could help curb the numbers.

“Make sure that you’re staying away, good hand washing and hygiene. Those things seem to do a very good job at kind of preventing most illnesses from passing from one person to another like the flu does.”

The CDC recommends using soap and water or hand sanitizer to wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Also, regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, countertops and phones.