Flu Season Arrives in Stephens County

The flu makes its arrival in Stephens County. Stephens County Hospital has reported that they have had three confirmed cases of the flu already this season. That goes along with state officials, who also have announced the first batch of flu cases this winter. Now that the flu bug has bitten in this area, Stephens County Hospital Director of Nursing Faye Taylor said they are ready for it. “We have done quite a bit of preparation,” said Taylor. “Actually, over the last two or three years, we have participated in two pandemic drills, one with just our community this year, and then a couple of years ago, we participated in a big statewide drill with virtually all of the hospitals in Georgia participating.” Taylor said the hospital has a supply of masks, hand gel, and respiratory supplies to treat flu cases as they come in. Of course, Taylor cautioned, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to the flu. “I want to encourage the public to do good handwashing,” she urged. “That is the number one thing you can do to prevent the spread of the flu. When you are sick, you need to stay out of public places and just remember those good hygiene rules of handwashing, coughing into your sleeve, and disposing of tissues as you should.”

State officials explained that proper hand washing techniques means a person rubbing their hands vigorously with soap for 20 seconds. Last week was National Handwashing Awareness Week. It was also National Influenza Vaccination Week. Officials also stated now remains a good time to get that flu shot because flu season typically peaks in Georgia during the month of February. To get a flu shot, officials urged Georgia residents to contact their local public health department or private practitioner.