Friday, Jan. 11, 2013

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- The Georgia Department of Public Health has issued a warning that the flu has reached an epidemic level statewide.

Health officials say the flu is hitting Georgia more than it has in a decade and that the number of flu-related hospitalizations is high. Neighboring states are also reporting high numbers.

Two flu-related deaths have been reported in Georgia so far this season.

"Peak flu season typically does not happen until late January or early February so we may not have seen the worst yet," said Patrick O'Neal, M.D., director of the Division of Health Protection, in a news release.

The DPH says it is not too late to get a flu shot and there are vaccines available across the state.

Other advice for keeping the flu from spreading:

• Wash your hands frequently
  
• Cover your nose when coughing or sneezing
  
• Avoid touching your face
  
• If you are sick, stay home from work/school

Click here for more information about the flu.

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