Flu Patients Continue to Fill Doctors' Offices

An Alpharetta physician said 15 to 20 percent of his day is spent with flu patients.

This flu season is different than previous years because of the sheer volume of people who are getting sick, according to an Alpharetta ambulatory medicine physician. Dr. Richard Ellin, who works at Kaiser Permanente Alpharetta Medical Offices, said in the past two or three years, he'd see the occasional flu patient, maybe one or two a week. "This year, we are seeing anywhere from three to six a day and that's just me," Dr. Ellin said. "Fifteen to twenty percent of my day is the flu or complications from the flu. "Another thing is, we are seeing many more people who have got the flu shot who have gotten the flu," he said. "It's prevalent throughout metro Atlanta, and really throughout Georgia, and really pretty much throughout the whole …

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CDC Says the Flu Season Is Still Here

Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

CDC Says the Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Alpharetta, Milton

Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

Flu season came early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in Atlanta than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. And while a slight decrease in new cases has occrred, the level is still considered intense, well above high, in metro Atlanta. (Alpharetta-Milton-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Georgia, activity is considered intense now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. Fulton County Health Services continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications. If you're…

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Fulton Urges Residents to Get Flu Shot

Fulton health centers and local pharmacies are currently vaccinating patients against the flu.

Flu season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), now is the time to make sure you're protected. The agency says for the first time in almost a decade, flu season is ramping up early. Fulton County Health Services encourages all residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated. Vaccines are available at six health centers from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. through the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness. Alpharetta is home to one of the Fulton County health centers: Residents can get the flu vaccine or the nasal mist (age 2 to 49 years) for $25.  Visa and Master Card (credit and debit), Medicaid, Cigna, United Health care and cash are accepted forms of payment.  Additionally, …

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CDC: Get Your Flu Shot

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Did you get your flu shot yet?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This week a doctor asked me if I'd offer a testimonial for the flu shot. Well, Dr. Stu, consider this my testimonial. Now that I annually get a flut shot, no longer do I seem to get a horrible flu that morphs into bronchitis every year, prolonging my agony. More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting …

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Bob Pepalis

4:58 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Thanks for adding your advice!   more ›

Cast Your Ballot, Get a Flu Shot

Fulton voters can 'Vote and Vax' in North Fulton on Nov. 1.

Fulton County Voters can “Vote and Vax” beginning Saturday, Oct. 27. Voters can cast their ballots and obtain their annual flu slots as a part of an effort to reduce the risk of flu among citizens. Vote and Vax primarily targets adults aged 50 or older.  In North Fulton, voters can go to the North Service Center in Sandy Springs, 7741 Roswell Road, on Thursday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to cast their ballots and get their shots. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the United States on average 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. The CDC also reports that the expected severity of a flu season cannot be accurately predicted.     …

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CDC Says Adults Need Immunizations, Too

The North Fulton Regional Health Center in Alpharetta offers immunizations on a sliding fee scale.

Did you know that immunizations are not just for children? Sure, many of us get flu shots (influenza) every year, or wish we did. But  how about Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis? Fulton County Health Services said in a release that adults also need to be current with their vaccinations.  In recognition of National Immunization Month, the agency is promoting adult immunizations. The need for adult immunizations is determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations. Immunizations are needed to maintain protection against diseases and illnesses such as the flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and shingles. Adults should talk to their health care provider about needed …

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