The flu has come on like gangbusters in the last couple of weeks hitting a month earlier than usual. The seasonal flu is one of those things that do not really seem all that bad until you actually catch the flu. So what do you need to know about it? Do you need to get vaccinated?
Walk into any emergency room and they will tell you the flu is here. According to the CDC's Flu Activity and Surveillance Map, Georgia is at "orange" or moderate to high flu levels. Most of the south is already in the bright red.
A third of the way through the flu season and the CDC says less than 40 percent of Americans have actually gotten vaccinated.
Children's Chief of Pediatrics Dr. Jim Fortenberry says if you haven't, get it.
There is a 5 to 20 percent chance of catching the flu each year and getting vaccinated will not protect you 100 percent. For all groups, the vaccine is 60 percent effective. It works better if you are younger and healthy. If offers less protection to seniors and people with health issues.
How much protection you receive from the vaccine depends on how good a match the vaccine is to the flu strains circulating.
"The strains that are in it appear to be very consistent with the kind of flu that's out there. So the flu vaccine does work in help preventing getting the flu, so it's not too late," said Dr. Fortenberry.
The flu is a respiratory virus, usually contagious for about five to seven days after someone first develops symptoms. So it is best to avoid close contact with anyone who appears ill.
Don't touch your mouth, eyes and nose and wash your hands often with soap and water.
Also, make sure if someone in your home or office catches the flu, to wipe down any areas that get touched a lot. This includes door handles, computer keyboards and mice, phones, and any other common surfaces.
If your child is healthy and gets the flu, Dr. Fortenberry says to skip the ER and stay at home. Treat the child with rest, fluids and Tylenol to break the fever.
And if you get sick, make sure not to go to school, work or out in public until at least 24 hours following a fever breaking.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:28:00 GMT
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
They say the third time's a charm, and that's certainly the case for Candice Glover. A third try on American Idol was just what she needed, and on Thursday night she was crowned the season 12 champ.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:18:53 GMT
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
What's better than Friday? FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY! This week, we got a visit from Masala Fresh Indian Street Food, and just like always, Good Day's Buck Lanford was more than willing to have a taste.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 AM EDT2013-05-17 15:17:48 GMT
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24!
Can you smell what The Rock is cookin' next? He's ready for Fast & Furious 6, which opens in theaters on May 24! The Rock --- who almost never goes by his real name, Dwayne Johnson-- joined Good Day to give us a sneak peek.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:18:11 GMT
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Need some great advice about... well, anything? Ask Wendy! Wendy Williams has a brand-new book (called, of course-- Ask Wendy) that offers advice on all the "drama" in your life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-17 11:54:05 GMT
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank?
For most women, there's a big difference between the wedding you wish you could have, and the wedding you can actually afford. So how can you have your dream wedding and not break the bank? We got some tips from an expert.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:21 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:21:44 GMT
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale.
American Idol Season 12 is almost officially over, and now, all that's left is part two of the giant finale. Good Day's Paul Milliken never met a red carpet he didn't like-- so who better to break down the final performances of the season live from downtown L.A. bright and early!
