What is Influenza (Flu)?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) offers annual flu vaccines to everyone 6 months and older at the Acworth-Kennesaw, Douglasville, Smyrna and Marietta Public Health Center locations.

For more information:
Call Cobb & Douglas Public Health at 770-514-2300 or visit www.cdc.gov/flu/.

Flu Vaccine
All Cobb & Douglas Public Health Centers are offering flu vaccines, including flu vaccines designed specifically for people 65 years and older. Appointments are encouraged, but not necessary. The cost of the flu vaccine can vary based on your insurance plan, but many plans cover the vaccine at no cost.

Recommendations for Patients 50 Years and Older
In addition to the flu vaccine, CDPH also recommends the Shingles vaccine for persons 50 years and older. Pneumonia shots are recommended for persons 65 and older, but are also recommended for younger individuals with certain chronic conditions. While you are getting your flu shot, be sure to ask your provider if you are up to date on your Tetanus vaccinations.

For questions, call 770-514-2300.

Influenza (flu) Symptoms
The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Reduce the Risk of Getting the Flu
In addition to vaccination, individuals can also reduce the risk of getting the flu by following a few simple steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home when you are sick and keep sick children at home
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then put used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve

Influenza and COVID self-testing kiosks now available.

Locations include:

Douglas Fire Department Headquarters
12501 Veterans Memorial Highway
Douglasville, GA 30134

Riverside Epicenter
135 Riverside Parkway
Austell, GA 30168

• Pre-registration for testing at the kiosks is not required, but is available at https://register.testandgo.com/.
• The kiosks offer access to testing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• There is no out-of-pocket cost for the tests provided through the kiosk, but for those individuals with insurance, their insurance will be billed for the test.
• In most cases, test results will be available by email or text within 48 hours.

Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Vaccine Information Statements are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.

Insurance Information
Children without health insurance and children with Medicaid or PeachCare are eligible to receive a state-supplied vaccine.

Many insurance plans cover flu vaccines at no cost. For a list of accepted commercial insurance providers, please check here.

Cash, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are also accepted.

Report all clusters to Cobb & Douglas Public Health at 770-514-2432

For additional reporting options, please click here.

Influenza Outbreak Resources