DeKalb County officials issued a warning on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025, alerting residents to a sharp increase in flu-related emergency calls. This comes as both Georgia and the nation brace for a potentially severe flu season, one that experts predict will intensify in the coming months.
According to American Medical Response, the emergency medical services partner for DeKalb County, 911 calls linked to influenza have surged by 60% in the county over the past several weeks.
“Most flu cases can be managed with rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter medications,” stated Dr. Gerad Troutman, Associate Chief Medical Officer at AMR, in a recent news release. “However, we are observing a rise in more serious cases. It’s crucial for residents to seek medical attention if their symptoms become severe or rapidly worsen, particularly for older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.”
Flu Season Escalates Across Georgia, U.S.
Georgia is already experiencing a difficult flu season. The state has been rated “very high” for influenza-like illness activity by the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between December 14 and December 20, Georgia reported 48 outbreaks, two flu-related deaths, and 317 hospitalizations in the metro area.
Dr. Jay Varkey, an infectious diseases physician and associate professor of medicine at Emory University, explained via email that Emory Healthcare is reinstating mask requirements in response to the heightened transmission.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of patients presenting to Emory Healthcare clinics, emergency departments, and hospitals,” he wrote. “To maintain safety for our patients and staff during this period of high community transmission of influenza, Emory Healthcare is requiring all clinical staff members to wear masks in both inpatient and outpatient settings.”
The CDC has reported that the 2024-2025 flu season was “the most severe influenza season since 2017-2018.” Currently, Georgia’s 2025-2026 flu season is progressing at a faster rate than last year.
“Based on the currently available data, the rate of increase in cases has been faster and earlier compared to last year,” Varkey wrote. “This year, the predominant strain has been influenza A (H3N2), which, based on historical trends, is typically associated with higher severity of illness, including more hospitalizations and deaths.”
Over the past 12 weeks, Georgia has recorded 12 deaths, 13 outbreaks, and 501 metro area hospitalizations due to the flu. During the same timeframe last year, there were no deaths, 18 outbreaks, and 310 hospitalizations.
Eric Jens, a risk communicator with the Georgia Department of Public Health, anticipates that flu activity will continue to climb before peaking.
“Activity typically rises in late fall, peaks in winter (often January-February), and then declines,” Jens wrote. “Current increases suggest flu activity could continue rising toward its seasonal peak.”
How to Reduce Flu Risk
With the flu season in full swing, Troutman suggested prioritizing the well-being of older adults.
“This is a good time to check in on older neighbors, family members who live alone, or anyone who is medically fragile,” Troutman said. “Simple steps like ensuring they have fluids, medications, and basic supplies can prevent a health issue from escalating into an emergency.”
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months or older receive a flu vaccine.
“If you haven’t received your flu vaccine, please get vaccinated,” Varkey wrote. “Even in years where the flu vaccine is not a perfect match for the circulating strain, the vaccine decreases your chances of getting influenza by at least 40%. More importantly, if you get vaccinated and still contract influenza, the vaccination significantly reduces your risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, or death from influenza complications. The flu vaccine is safe and has a long track record of effectiveness. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.”
Varkey also advised wearing a mask, ensuring good ventilation in your home, and practicing frequent hand hygiene with sanitizer or soap. Individuals with underlying heart, lung, or neurological conditions—as well as those who are immunocompromised or over the age of 65—are at high risk for flu complications.
Can the flu vaccine still help even if it’s not a perfect match for the circulating strain? Yes. Even when there isn’t a perfect match, the flu vaccine can still reduce your risk of getting sick by at least 40% and significantly lower your chances of severe complications like hospitalization.
