Curtis Baptist School in downtown Augusta, Georgia, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a high number of student and staff absences. The school reported that more than one-third of its students and several staff members were out sick, prompting the closure.
The school’s Veterans Day program was rescheduled, and officials planned to reopen on Thursday if staffing and illness levels allowed. This closure occurs as flu activity spreads early across the region, with neighboring South Carolina reporting widespread flu activity and 350 flu-associated hospitalizations since early October.
Flu Activity in South Carolina and Georgia
In the week of October 25-31, South Carolina’s Department of Public Health counted 1,079 lab-confirmed flu cases, bringing the season total to 2,279. About 99% of these cases were influenza A, and hospitals reported 137 flu-associated admissions that week.
Flu-like illness made up 5.1% of visits to participating providers, above the state’s 3.2% baseline. The state rated flu-like illness activity as high, with two flu-associated deaths reported this season, both in adults 65 and older.
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Georgia’s picture is mixed, with overall flu activity remaining low in the week ending October 31, but hospitalizations and deaths rising. The state counted 103 flu hospitalizations in tracked metro areas and eight outbreaks that week, and 304 hospitalizations and 29 outbreaks since early October.
Nine flu deaths have been reported in Georgia this season, a number that may change as deaths are reviewed. The Southeast stands out nationally, with HHS Region 4, which includes Georgia and South Carolina, having the highest flu hospital admission rate of any region, at 3.4 per 100,000 people.
Clinics and Schools Affected
Curtis Baptist is not the only school affected by the flu outbreak. Brentwood School, a private school in Sandersville, Georgia, closed for at least two days in late October due to flu cases. Clinics are also seeing an increase in flu patients, with Dr. Bo Sherwood of Piedmont Prompt Care reporting that his clinic treated over 45 patients in one day.
Dr. Sherwood noted that it is hard to predict whether the early rise in flu cases will mean an earlier peak or a more severe season. However, an early start does mean more weeks of exposure before Thanksgiving gatherings and less time for families who have not yet been vaccinated.
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For working parents, a closure like the one at Curtis Baptist creates its own strain, from missed shifts to scrambling for child care on short notice. Sick children who return too soon can spread illness to classmates and teachers, highlighting the importance of keeping them home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone 6 months and older, with the CDC stating that the single most effective way to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine. Most insurance plans and Medicare cover flu shots without a copay, and residents can find public health clinics by calling 855-472-3432 in South Carolina or 706-721-5800 in the Augusta area.
People at higher risk who develop flu symptoms should call a clinician quickly, as prescription antiviral medicines work best when started within about two days of symptoms. Handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick also help limit the spread of the flu at school and work, and the CDC provides guidance on these measures.
As the flu season continues, it is essential for individuals to take preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene. The CDC estimates that at least 1.7 million flu illnesses and 25,000 hospitalizations have occurred nationwide so far this season, and the severity is currently rated as low for all age groups.
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The flu can make anyone sick, but certain groups are more likely to need hospital care, including adults 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant people, and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems. South Carolina’s hospitalization data reflects this pattern, with adults 65 and older making up more than half of the cases.
Dr. Bo Sherwood noted that his clinic saw a surge in flu patients over the previous four or five days. The clinic is about 1.3 miles from Curtis Baptist School.
Prevention and Treatment
Flu often starts suddenly with fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. A quick test at a clinic or pharmacy can help guide treatment. Mild illness can usually be managed at home with rest and fluids.
