Public health leaders say it's STILL not too late to vaccinate against 'big 3' viruses

If it seems like more of your friends and family members are sniffly and tired, it's because they are likely fighting one of the Big Three seasonal viruses — flu, RSV or COVID-19, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity, which largely affects children, is declining statewide while national numbers remain high.

In Georgia, it's people with the flu filling emergency rooms.

There has been a sharp increase in flu cases post holidays, which is not unexpected as people return to work and school, Cherie Drenzek, an epidemiologist with GDPH, said Tuesday during the monthly board meeting.

But even though flu and COVID numbers are going up quickly, people can still protect themselves, she said.

"It is not too late to receive a flu vaccine," Drenzek said, "even though [the flu season] may be peaking or close to peaking."

Waves of rising cases can ripple through the spring months, she said, but ongoing genomic surveillance allows public health officials to track pathogens and analyze their genetic similarities and differences.

"Infectious diseases are ever-changing and unpredictable," she said in her presentation.

"When we think about these respiratory viruses, both the Big Three and even some of the other ones as well, it's good to keep an eye on them because they really can have tremendous impact on populations and also health care capacities," Drenzek said.