Georgia Reports Early Flu Deaths as State Warns of Severe Season

Georgia health officials are warning residents to prepare for a severe flu season as new state data shows a sharp rise in hospitalizations and flu-associated deaths compared to last year.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), flu activity is now widespread across the state, with cases expected to continue increasing as people return to work and school following the holidays.

For the week ending Dec. 27, 2025, Georgia had recorded 29 confirmed flu-associated deaths since the start of the current flu season in early October. Seven of those deaths occurred during the single week from Dec. 20–27. By comparison, the state reported zero flu-associated deaths during the same October–December period in 2024, DPH officials said.

Hospitalizations are also significantly higher this season. From October through December 2025, metro Atlanta hospitals reported 1,580 confirmed flu-related hospitalizations, more than double the 609 hospitalizations reported during the same months last year.

DPH officials said the numbers reflect a concerning early trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also projected a severe flu season nationwide.

How flu deaths are tracked

Influenza is not a routinely reportable condition in Georgia, with the exception of flu-associated deaths and outbreaks. As a result, DPH’s surveillance relies on partnerships with the CDC, the Georgia Emerging Infections Program, and voluntary reporting from hospitals and laboratories across the state.

Influenza-associated deaths are reportable by law in Georgia. To be classified as a confirmed flu-associated death, the individual must have a clinically compatible illness, a positive influenza test, and no documented recovery between illness and death, according to DPH.

Health officials emphasized that the surveillance data likely understates total flu cases statewide, as many people recover at home without seeking medical care or testing.

Vaccine urged as cases rise

With flu activity increasing, DPH is strongly urging Georgians ages six months and older to get a flu vaccine if they have not already done so and do not have a medical condition preventing vaccination.

“The CDC recommends a once-yearly flu vaccine not just for individual protection, but to help protect those around us who are more vulnerable,” DPH officials said in a statement.

It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against influenza. Even when vaccination does not fully prevent infection, health officials say it can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Flu vaccines are widely available at public health departments, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, and neighborhood clinics throughout Georgia.

Residents with questions about vaccination are encouraged to consult with a licensed healthcare provider.

Who is most at risk

Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and commonly include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

Certain groups face a higher risk of serious complications if they become infected. Those include adults 65 and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women, and children younger than five, particularly those under age two.

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medications to treat influenza. These medications are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset, according to DPH.

Steps to prevent the spread

Health officials also emphasized everyday prevention measures that can help slow the spread of influenza:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water; alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative when soap and water are unavailable.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow rather than your hands.
• Avoid touching your face, as flu viruses can enter through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home from work or school if sick. Individuals should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication before returning.
• When caring for someone who is ill, limit their contact with others in the household as much as possible.

DPH officials said these measures, combined with vaccination, remain the most effective tools for reducing flu transmission in the community. More information about influenza and prevention is available at dph.ga.gov/flu, and Georgia’s weekly influenza surveillance reports are updated each Friday at dph.georgia.gov/flu-activity-georgia.