ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Health officials say Georgia is in the middle of its most intense winter virus season in more than 15 years, with flu cases climbing rapidly, hospitals under strain and doctors warning the peak is still ahead.

Pharmacies across the state are seeing a steady stream of patients seeking relief from fever, congestion and body aches as families return to work and children head back to school after the holidays.

At Little Five Points Pharmacy in Atlanta, pharmacist Ira Katz said demand for both prescription and over-the-counter flu medications continues to rise.

“It appears like it’s a little rougher season than what we’ve had in the last couple of years,” Katz said. “Apparently there’s a different strain that’s out there right now. But first, let me say everybody should reach out and get their flu vaccine, okay? Better late than never.”

For Patric Pelli, the flu struck just before Christmas and quickly worsened.

“Christmas Eve night was probably the worst,” Pelli said. “I didn’t really sleep — not because I was excited for Santa, but I just had a fever that was close to 103.”

State data shows his experience is far from isolated.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, 29 people died from flu-related illness between October and Dec. 27, including seven deaths during Christmas week alone. Health officials say flu activity is now widespread and severe across Georgia.

Hospital systems are also responding as case counts rise. Northeast Georgia Health System now requires staff to wear masks indoors and reported 73 flu patients hospitalized as of this week.

Test positivity rates are climbing sharply. This week, 37% of flu tests came back positive, up from 28% at the same time last year and 24% the year before, according to hospital data.

Dr. Supriya Mannepalli, an infectious disease specialist with Northeast Georgia Health System, said flu season typically peaks between December and February.

“We are not out of the woods yet,” Mannepalli said. “Wearing a mask helps protect us and the people around us because flu spreads through droplets when we cough or sneeze.”

The Georgia Department of Public Health echoed those concerns in a press release Monday, warning that cases are likely to increase as Georgians return to work and school. The agency urged anyone six months and older to get a flu shot, noting that vaccination can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death, even if someone still contracts the flu.

Health officials say vaccination rates remain low statewide, leaving more people vulnerable to complications — especially older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu may help shorten the duration and severity of illness if taken early. CVS said it is seeing increased demand statewide and warned that some locations may temporarily run out, though the company said there is no overall shortage. Katz said his pharmacy currently has supplies available.

Public health officials also recommend frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding touching the face, and staying home when sick to help slow the spread.

More information about flu prevention and Georgia’s weekly influenza reports is available on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.

Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.