MOULTRIE, Ga. — While the flu season is still going strong in Southwest Georgia, Colquitt Regional Medical Center has experienced a slight decline in cases over the past week.  

“We saw 62 positive flu cases at Colquitt Regional the second week of January,” said the hospital’s infection prevention manager, Gail Sparkman, BSN,RN, CIC. “That was a substantial increase from the same period in 2017.  But this past week that number dropped to 58 positive cases.”

The positive flu cases confirmed at Colquitt Regional do not include any flu tests taken at outpatient clinics.

“We do hope that the number of flu cases that require an ER visit or hospitalization continues to decrease, but we are definitely not out of the woods yet,” said Colquitt Regional CEO, Jim Matney. “We are still encouraging everyone to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the flu and we are asking visitors to wear a mask when visiting loved ones at Colquitt Regional.”

Unlike the hospital, the Sterling Physician Group’s outpatient clinics have seen an increase in flu cases and patients with flu-like symptoms as compared to last week.

“We still have about nine weeks left in the official ‘flu season.’” said Dr. Erica Paez with Sterling Group Pediatrics. “Children are going to school and afternoon activities, and germs are still rampant. For patients with the flu, the best course of action is to hydrate, rest, and treat symptoms as needed.”

If you have contracted the flu, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone with the exception of leaving to get medical care or other necessities. In addition to practicing good hand hygiene, you can do your part to prevent flu germs by cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces in your home, school, or office.

Flu shots are still available at physician offices and at the Colquitt County Health Department.