DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Local doctors and the CDC said the recent cold snap is responsible for the spike in flu cases.
Channel 2 Action News went to DeKalb County to one of the metro's largest children's healthcare facilities.
Doctors at Children's Medical Group on Century Boulevard are busy. They're dealing with a spike in sick kids and some of their young patients have the flu.
"Traditionally right after Christmas when the kids go back to school is a time to expect a big outbreak of the flu,” said Dr. Thomas Calk.
Calk said the flu strain will stick around for several more weeks.
"When the flu hits, a particular strain will usually circulate for anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks in earnest before it starts to taper off,” Calk said.
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"It's been very busy and we've seen a lot of sick kids come in,” said one nurse.
Staff at the facility are also staying busy, making sure the waiting area is sanitized -- Anything they can do to keep others from getting sick.
The CDC said the week ending Nov. 18, the majority of states had either sporadic or local activity.
A month later, for the week ending Dec. 16, about half the states, including Georgia, bumped up to regional activity.
And for the week ending Dec. 30, nearly every state including Georgia, is now experiencing widespread flu activity.
One reason was freezing weather the last two weeks.
"This year of course we've had a number of very cold days already early in the season which is propelling this thing forward,” Calk said.
Health officials are reminding everyone, especially parents, to take all the precautions.
"I keep my house sanitized, like real good, especially around the winter time, I keep it very sanitized,” said mother Wykitia Middlebrooks.
"I just hope that this thing doesn't last too long,” Calk said.
People usually see symptoms of the flu, fever and aches, two to four days after being exposed.
Cox Media Group
