Children and adults should stay home when sick to prevent flu spread

Flu season typically runs from October to May and peaks from December to February. That means South Georgia residents are now at peak risk for contracting and spreading the flu.

The symptoms of the flu are:

• Fever
• Muscles aches and fatigue
• Headache
• Cough and runny nose
• Sore throat
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

The Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District wants to remind everyone of the importance of staying home if you are sick. Children who are sick should not attend school and adults who are sick should not go to 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. You should also get rest, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and avoid contact with others. You can also use over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain relievers to treat symptoms.  

The best way to protect yourself from catching the flu is to get your flu vaccination.  You can also help protect yourself against the flu by:

• Frequently and thoroughly washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no access to soap and water.
• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing to help prevent the spread of the flu.
• Using 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. 

To receive your flu vaccination call or visit your local health department. For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.