CDC urges flu vaccinations as Georgia faces rising influenza, RSV cases

"RSV season is usually from October to about March, and this is the peak of it. It peaks almost every year, and the hospital is full of children with RSV struggling to breathe or on oxygen," Dr. Christy Peterson said.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) –  It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week, and as flu cases continue to rise across Georgia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to get vaccinated. 

According to the CDC, Georgia is currently experiencing a high level of respiratory viruses, including the flu and RSV.

“Right now we’re sitting at a high level of influneza-like illness activity within our state,” North Central Health District spokesperson Michael Hokanson said.

Dr. Christy Peterson with Atrium Health Navicent says the hospital is seeing high cases of respiratory viruses, especially in children.

“It is the season for RSV,” she said. “RSV season is usually from October to about March, and this is the peak of it. It peaks almost every year, and the hospital is full of children with RSV struggling to breathe or on oxygen.”

RSV symptoms usually include wheezing, coughing and runny nose. If your young child is experiencing serious respiratory symptoms, you should take them to their doctor or head to the emergency room immediately.