Georgia Faces Rising COVID-19 Cases Amid Flu Season

Map showing COVID-19 trends and hotspots in Georgia.

News Summary

Recent data from the CDC suggests a troubling increase in COVID-19 cases in Georgia, with wastewater surveillance indicating high viral levels. Positive test rates and emergency room visits are on the rise, raising concerns for public health. Vaccination rates lag significantly, with only 13-18% of adults vaccinated, increasing vulnerability amidst ongoing flu activity. The CDC urges residents to remain vigilant as they monitor the challenging landscape of respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the importance of health decisions during this critical time.

Atlanta, Georgia – A New Wave of COVID-19 Cases on the Horizon?

Recent findings from the CDC signal a worrying trend for Georgia as COVID-19 cases may be on the rise in the coming weeks. Wastewater surveillance data shows that the viral levels in Georgia are approaching some of the highest estimates recorded this year, creating a potential concern for public health officials.

Positive Tests and Emergency Room Visits on the Uptick

This year, there has been a slight uptick in the number of positive COVID-19 tests, as well as increased visits to emergency rooms. While it’s important to note that the overall rate of acute respiratory illness that demands healthcare services has decreased to a lower level as of March 21, the recent trends warrant cautious attention.

Flu Season Statistics

Nationwide, the seasonal influenza activity has remained elevated but has now declined for five consecutive weeks, indicating that the current flu season may have peaked. Despite this, flu-related medical visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities continue to be high, suggesting that the flu has not yet fully relented, with several weeks of activity still anticipated.

Georgia’s Rising COVID-19 and Influenza Levels

For Georgia specifically, wastewater data shows an increase in viral levels for COVID-19 while influenza levels remain moderate, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels appear to be low. This gives a mixed picture, highlighting the need for vigilance as COVID-19 remains a significant health issue alongside the flu.

Vaccination Rates Lagging Behind

Alarmingly, vaccination rates for both influenza and COVID-19 among adults and children in the U.S. are not keeping pace. In Georgia, a mere 13 to 18% of adults have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine, falling short of the national average of around 23%. This lack of vaccination has kept many individuals vulnerable to the impacts of respiratory viruses.

COVID-19 Proving More Deadly

Since December, COVID-19 has claimed over 240 lives in Georgia, showcasing its severity compared to influenza, which has resulted in 124 deaths since October 2024. Nationally, more people have died from influenza than from COVID-19 over the timeframe from October 1, 2024, to March 15, 2025, with figures standing at 8,004 versus approximately 24,000 for COVID-19.

Hospital Demand Trends

This winter saw the peak hospital demand for COVID-19, flu, and RSV during the week ending February 1, yet notably, this season’s peak demand was nearly 50% lower than in the previous season, marking it the lowest recorded demand for any respiratory season since the pandemic’s onset.

Looking Ahead

The CDC is on alert, urging residents to consider their health and vaccination options, particularly with rising viral levels in wastewater indicating potential COVID-19 impacts. As Georgia navigates this complex landscape of respiratory illnesses, keeping informed and making health-conscious decisions is more important than ever.