Fulton Co. officials urge residents to get flu shots - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Fulton County officials say metro Atlanta residents should still be vaccinated for the flu epidemic in Georgia.

Americans in 47 states, including Georgia, are catching the flu at an alarming rate. The symptoms may include fever, runny nose, sore throat and constant coughing.

Fulton County health officials say this year's seasonal flu outbreak, H3N2, has them worried.

"The potential is there for people to get sick and die unnecessarily and that is what is such a disappointment to us, and why we really do emphasize that people can be protected if they go out and get the flu shot," said Dr. Mathew McKenna, Director of Health Services for Fulton County.

The vaccine has a 62 percent prevention rate. Officials say even though we are in the midst of an epidemic, flu vaccines are still available and should be taken.

"We are all in this together. The more people that get vaccinated, the less probability you have for running into people that are sick and getting sick," McKenna said.

Fulton County officials urge residents to take the flu epidemic seriously. Adults 65 years or older, anyone with a chronic medical condition and small children, are more susceptible to influenza and should take precautions. Those precautions include washing hands, getting plenty of rest and taking the vaccine.

For those of you who go to work feeling bad, health officials say don't.

"As I have traveled around, we have lots of flu in the workplace. All across this country, so the flu is serious. It can lead to lots of complications and even death," said Dr. Patrice Harris of Health Services for Fulton County.

For a list of facilities in Fulton County offering the flu shot, click here.

Officials in DeKalb County are also urging residents to get the flu shot. They say they have about 1,200 doses of the flu vaccine available to help people combat the flu. The shot is $20, and is available at all five of the DeKalb County Board of Health's centers. You can call 404-294-3700 to find the center nearest to you.