The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention released information confirming that the flu season has

started early this year.�Usually, 800,000 Georgia residents are typically

affected with the disease, but that number will most likely increase this

season. Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC, warned that this flu

season could be worse than usual because there is a new strain of influenza.���

The flu, short for "influenza,"

is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system.� Symptoms

include fever, coughing, sore throat, chills, headaches and muscle aches.

This contagious illness causes almost 20,000 deaths each year in the United

States, and forces about 114,000 others to be hospitalized, according

to the CDC.

The best way to avoid getting

the flu is to get the influenza vaccine.� The vaccine can be given before

or during the flu season. The CDC recommends that the following groups

especially receive the vaccination:

- Children between 6 months

and 2 years.

- People with chronic

medical conditions.

- Adults 50 years of age

or older.

- Pregnant women and breastfeeding

mothers.

- Health care workers.

- Travelers - including

tourists, vacationers and frequent flyers.

"Now is the best time

to get immunized to protect against the flu," said Combs.�"Because

the virus changes each year, it is important to get an updated shot annually

to insure maximum protection."�

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