Sunday, September 29, 2025–5:00 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
We are heading into fall, and that means it’s the season for respiratory illnesses like influenza, Covid-19, and RSV.
According to Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the ten-county Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District, it is recommended that anyone aged 6 months and older should get an updated flu vaccine.
“A recent report has come out that shows that in the southern hemisphere, where flu season first begins and then transfers to the northern hemisphere in the world, the seasonal influenza vaccine reduced hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and physicians’ visits by 50 percent,” he said.
Dr. Voccio added that we are seeing very low levels in wastewater evaluations for flu and RSV so far, but we are seeing elevated levels for COVID.
“We are not seeing a lot of hospital stays or emergency room visits, even though there are high numbers of COVID in the wastewater,” he said. “That probably means that we have a significant immunity against it. It does not mean you shouldn’t consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine this year. We do not have them yet. They are pending approval from the ACIC [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices] and the CDC [Centers for Disease Control].”
According to Dr. Voccio, the vaccine reduces hospitalizations for those 65 and older by 20 percent.
He added, if you feel sick, it’s important to get tested for flu or, because there are medications that can help.
“The federal PREP Act, passed to HHS [Health and Human Services] has extended the pharmacist’s role to allow pharmacists to test and treat for COVID,” he said. “This is through December 31, 2029. So, if you are sick with an influenza-like illness, remember, a pharmacist can test you for COVID, and even treat you if you test positive.”
Also, if you are sick, it’s important to stay away from others, especially the very young, the old, or those who have existing health conditions.
That means waiting at least 24 hours after your fever goes away.
