Flu-related hospitalizations soar in metro Atlanta - KMSP-TV

Flu-related hospitalizations soar in metro Atlanta

Posted: Updated:

By JEFF MARTIN, Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) -- State health officials say the number of people hospitalized with flu symptoms in metro Atlanta has soared in recent weeks, the latest sign of a widespread flu outbreak.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that 244 people were hospitalized during a recent four-week period in metro Atlanta.

During the same four-week period last year, there were just eight hospitalizations, heath department spokeswoman Nancy Nydam said. Dr. Patrice Harris, director of Fulton County Health Services and a district health director, said last season was considered a mild one for flu activity.

During the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, there were 127 hospitalizations during the same four-week period.

The hospitalizations underscore the severity of the flu, which is striking Georgia harder this season than at any time in the past decade.

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press

  • More Health News

  • FOX Medical Team

    Monday, May 20 2013 6:03 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:03:26 GMT
    Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
    Drop in on your friend's Facebook pages and blogs and you'll probably see a lot of photos of their kids. Sutton Burnett's blog began as a way to share her story with friends and family. It's grown into something much deeper.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 6:28 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:28:40 GMT
    Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
    Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. A veteran dermatologist says he used to see three to five melanomas a year. Now, he says, he sees that many in a week!
  • FOX Medical Team

    Thursday, May 16 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-17 03:00:47 GMT
    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows millions of American kids suffer from mental health problems. Experts believe as many as 20 percent of American children are affected.
  • CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL HEROES

  • Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across the United States and Canada.  Click here for more on our local heroes!
Powered by WorldNow

KMSP-TV
11358 Viking Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Phone: (952) 944-9999
Fax: (952) 942-0455

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices