Georgia, December 30, 2025
News Summary
Georgia is facing a severe flu season as new CDC data indicates an alarming rise in cases, particularly among children. Nearly half of patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta tested positive for the flu. Nationwide, approximately 7.5 million flu cases have emerged, leading to significant hospitalizations and deaths. Experts highlight a mutated strain of the H3N2 virus driving the outbreak and stress the importance of vaccination and hygiene practices to combat the illness, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Atlanta
Georgia is experiencing a severe flu season, as new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates the state is one of the hardest hit this year. Flu activity has been classified as “very high,” with healthcare professionals noting a dramatic rise in flu cases, particularly among children. This surge marks one of the most severe flu seasons in recent years.
At Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, nearly half of the patients admitted last week tested positive for the flu. The medical director at the hospital described this flu season as one of the most challenging in terms of both the number and severity of cases. For the first time this season, the CDC raised Georgia’s flu activity designation to its highest category.
This season has already seen approximately 7.5 million flu cases nationwide, leading to 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths. In Georgia, about one-third of flu hospitalizations occurred within just the past week. Although severe flu seasons typically do not occur back-to-back, experts attribute this season’s high rates to factors related to the COVID pandemic, which has disrupted traditional patterns of respiratory viruses.
A significant contributor to the current outbreak is a mutated strain of the H3N2 virus, referred to as “super flu,” leading to increased severity of flu symptoms such as high fever and sore throat. With flu numbers continuing to remain high, particularly among children, health officials are relentless in promoting vaccination as the most effective defense against severe illness and death. However, flu vaccination rates this year are lower compared to last year, with approximately 47.6 million people vaccinated as of late November, a drop of roughly three million from the same time last season.
It is emphasized that it’s never too late to get vaccinated, and individuals are urged to do so as a means of protection. Furthermore, maintaining proper hand hygiene is critical. Experts caution that even vaccinated individuals can still contract the flu due to its unpredictable nature.
Health recommendations include staying home when sick, practicing frequent handwashing, and closely monitoring for warning signs, particularly among children. As the winter holiday season progresses, flu activity is heightened across over a dozen states, including Georgia.
Tragically, the CDC reported that children have already died from flu-related causes this season, with three pediatric deaths recorded. Nationwide, about 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths have been attributed to influenza this season. Notably, nearly 90% of influenza cases belong to the newly emerged subclade K of the seasonal flu virus (H3N2), which raises concerns about the current flu season’s severity and is not included in this year’s flu vaccine.
The CDC continues to advocate annual flu vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and older. Current flu vaccination rates show that approximately 42% of U.S. adults and 41% of children have received their flu shots this season, which may help prevent severe infections even if full symptom prevention is not guaranteed.
FAQ
What is the current flu season status in Georgia?
Flu activity in Georgia has been classified as “very high,” with healthcare professionals reporting a significant rise in flu cases, particularly among children.
How many flu cases and hospitalizations have been reported nationwide?
Nationwide, there have been an estimated 7.5 million flu cases, with 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths reported.
What is the mutated strain contributing to the flu outbreak?
A mutated strain of the H3N2 virus, referred to as “super flu,” is believed to be contributing to the increased severity of flu symptoms this year.
What are the current vaccination rates for the flu?
As of late November, approximately 42% of U.S. adults and 41% of children have received their flu shots this season, which may help prevent severe infections even if full symptom prevention is not guaranteed.
Key Features of the Flu Season
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Flu Activity in Georgia | Very high with significant rises in cases. |
| Children’s Hospitalization Rate | Nearly half of admitted patients tested positive for flu. |
| CDC Classification | Elevated to the highest flu activity category for the first time this season. |
| Nationwide Cases | Approximately 7.5 million cases reported. |
| Current Vaccination Levels | About 42% of adults and 41% of children vaccinated. |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Moves to Very High Flu Activity Category
- Wikipedia: Influenza
- WSB Radio: Georgia Among States with High Levels of Flu Activity
- Google Search: Flu Symptoms
- The Hill: Map of Influenza Hitting States Hardest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flu
- CBS News: Warning About Surging Cases of Super Flu
- Google News: Super Flu
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
