A reader asks, “Is it just the people around me or is Georgia getting hit really hard with the flu this year?” Unfortunately, the answer is that Georgia’s 2014/2015 flu season is, indeed, worse than normal for this time of year. How much worse?

We hate being the bearer of bad news, but this is one of the worst flu outbreaks in years, particularly in the Southeast (us), New Jersey, and parts of the Midwest. Still, there’s some hope that the season won’t be worse overall, but that it has just peaked early (optimism!). The CDC has officially proclaimed it an epidemic, which sounds scary but happens almost every year. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, in the final week of December (the most recent week for which data is available), the proportion of outpatient doctor visits for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in Georgia was 7.89 percent — significantly higher than the Georgia baseline of 2.1 percent. Here it is compared to previous years:

Fox5 Atlanta reports that Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is seeing record numbers of kids with flu symptoms, saying the number of infections is up by about 50 percent from the same time last year. This year’s epidemic is rated a 10 on the intensity scale, compare that to last year’s, which peaked at a 4. The Atlanta metro area has had 459 hospitalizations and Georgia has seen 13 confirmed influenza-associated deaths, according to the most recent data.

What’s going on?

One of the main issues with this year’s flu is that the dominant strain (H3N2) has mutated — which is totally normal and not cause for a freak out. Several months before flu season starts, scientists have to try to predict which viruses will be dominant to determine which ones to include in the vaccine. This year, they were a little off. The vaccine does not work on the dominant mutated strain, but is still 40 to 50 percent effective because it does protect against other strains like H1N1 and influenza B. And let’s face it, 40 to 50 percent protection is better than zero. And it’s not too late to get a flu shot. There’s a good chance, looking at historical data, that the season hasn’t peaked yet, so there’s till time to protect yourself. Stick your zip code in this handy widget to find a place to get your shot:

http://www.flu.gov/stay-connected/vaccinelocator_2011.html

How do I keep from getting sick?

Even with the reduced effectiveness of this year’s vaccination, a flu shot is still your best first line of defense. After that, use common sense tactics like washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth with a Kleenex or your arm when you sneeze or cough (and for the love of all that is right in the world, don’t leave your snotty tissues sitting around on your desk or the counter… throw them away immediately to avoid infecting others), and staying home from work or school if you have symptoms. Overall, in life, it’s a good idea to avoid being sneezed or coughed upon and to keep your paws away from your eyes and mouth.

Gah! The preventative measures failed and I have the flu. Are there treatments?

There are, but you need to get to them fast. They’re most effective within the first 48 hours of becoming sick. The good news is Tamil and Relenza, which are designed to keep the flu virus from replicating in your body, do seem particularly effective on this year’s strain. The bad news? Georgia is a little short on drugs, so call your pharmacist to make sure they have some in stock before making the trip.

Being home in bed is boring, take this fun little flu quiz to pass the time: