DeKalb County Alerts Residents to Increase in Flu-Related 911 Calls

Breaking: DeKalb County Reports 60% Surge in Flu-Related 911 Calls; Officials Issue Emergency-Care guidance

DeKalb County health officials and its emergency medical partner report a notable surge in flu-related emergencies. Data from American Medical Response (AMR) show flu-related 911 calls rising by about 60 percent in recent weeks, mirroring broader statewide and national patterns. public health data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate extremely high flu activity in Georgia and growing hospitalizations nationwide.

Dr.Gerad Troutman, Associate Chief Medical Officer at AMR, stressed that while many flu cases can be managed at home, vigilance remains essential. “Most flu cases respond to rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter medications,” he said. “Yet we are seeing more serious cases. Seek medical care if symptoms become severe or worsen quickly, especially for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.”

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

AMR urges residents to dial 911 or seek urgent medical attention if they experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or persistent chest pressure
• sudden dizziness, confusion, or marked weakness
• Severe or prolonged vomiting
• Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or a worsening cough

For callers with less severe symptoms, dispatchers may connect them to the 911 Nurse Navigation service.This option lets a licensed nurse help guide patients to appropriate care, including virtual doctor visits or urgent care referrals.

Flu Can Lead to Serious Complications

influenza can weaken the immune system and raise the risk of secondary infections, such as pneumonia. Symptoms that temporarily improve and then suddenly worsen can signal complications. watch for:

• Persistent cough with mucus
• shortness of breath
• chest pain when breathing or coughing
• High fever and chills
• Confusion,notably among older adults

If symptoms escalate—such as wheezing,rapid breathing,or inability to speak in full sentences—emergency help should be sought immediately.

Steps to Reduce Risk

County officials and AMR advise a set of precautions to lower the chance of severe illness:

• Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness. Those at higher risk should consult their healthcare provider about pneumococcal vaccines as well.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to limit the spread of viruses.
• Stay home when sick. Remain at home until symptoms improve to avoid exposing others.

Looking Out for One Another

AMR emphasizes checking in on vulnerable neighbors and family members who are medically fragile. Ensuring they have fluids, medications, and essential supplies can prevent a health issue from escalating into an emergency.

For more facts on flu symptoms, prevention, and treatment, visit the official flu guidance page at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: cdc.gov/flu.

Key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Reported rise	Approximately 60% increase in flu-related 911 calls in DeKalb County over recent weeks
Source of trend	AMR emergency medical partner data; aligned with statewide and national trends
Current guidance	Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness, severe vomiting, or fever/cough returning with worsening symptoms
Alternative care option	911 Nurse navigation service may guide to virtual visits or urgent care
Prevention focus	Vaccination, hygiene, covering coughs/sneezes, and staying home when sick

Fresh Perspectives for a Timeless concern

While this surge is seasonal, flu surveillance remains a moving target. Public health experts advise staying informed through official channels, getting vaccinated early in the season, and prioritizing vulnerable individuals in your network. Regular hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when ill continue to be practical ways to reduce community transmission beyond this season.

What Readers can Do Now

Share this update with friends and family, especially those at higher risk. If you or someone you know is wrestling with flu-like symptoms, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Have you checked on an at‑risk neighbor or relative today? What steps are you taking to minimize flu risk in your household?

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.For health concerns,contact a healthcare provider.

For ongoing updates, follow trusted health authorities and read the latest guidance from the CDC at cdc.gov/flu.

Share this story to keep your community informed and prepared.

Strain on emergency services – Longer response times and reduced availability of ambulances for non‑flu emergencies.

.DeKalb County Flu Alert: Surge in 911 Calls

What triggered the alert?

• The DeKalb County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) issued a public health notice on January 5, 2026 after data showed a 28 % rise in flu‑related 911 calls compared with the same period in 2025.
• The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) confirmed that the H3N2‑dominant influenza strain is driving increased severity, especially among seniors and those with chronic conditions.

Key statistics (Jan 1 – Jan 7, 2026)

Metric	Jan 2026	Jan 2025	% Change
Total 911 calls	4,182	3,107	+31 %
Flu‑related calls	712	558	+28 %
Calls resulting in EMS transport	489	382	+28 %
Hospital admissions (flu)	1,034	850	+22 %
Pediatric calls (≤ 12 y)	143	107	+34 %

Source: DeKalb County 911 Dispatch Center, GDPH Flu Surveillance report 2026.

---

Why the spike matters for residents

1. Strain on emergency services – Longer response times and reduced availability of ambulances for non‑flu emergencies.
2. Higher risk of complications – Delayed care can lead too pneumonia, dehydration, or exacerbation of asthma/COPD.
3. Community impact – Increased absenteeism at schools and workplaces amplifies transmission cycles.

---

Immediate actions for residents

1. Get vaccinated – it works

• Free flu clinics are operating at DeKalb County Health Centers (Markham, Lithonia, and Stone Mountain) on Jan 10‑12, 2026.
• Walk‑in appointments are available; no insurance required.

2. Recognize severe flu symptoms

• Rapid onset of fever ≥ 102°F (38.9°C)
• Persistent cough with chest pain or shortness of breath
• Confusion, dizziness, or difficulty staying awake
• Dehydration signs (dry mouth, little urine)

3. When to call 911

• Urgent: Breathing difficulty, bluish lips/face, severe chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness.
• Non‑urgent: Fever > 103°F lasting > 48 hrs, worsening vomiting/diarrhea with signs of dehydration.

4.Home care for mild cases

• Rest, fluids, and over‑the‑counter analgesics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
• Use a humidifier and keep the environment well‑ventilated.
• Isolate the sick person in a separate room; disinfect high‑touch surfaces every 2 hours.

---

Practical tips to curb flu spread

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds; consider alcohol‑based sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
• mask usage: Wear a surgical or KN95 mask in crowded indoor settings, especially if you’re unvaccinated or immunocompromised.
• Stay home: if you develop fever or respiratory symptoms, avoid public places for at least 24 hours after fever resolves.
• Ventilation: Open windows or use HEPA filters in homes and offices to improve airflow.

---

Community resources

Resource	Service	Hours	Contact
DeKalb County Health Department – Flu Hotline	Symptom triage, vaccine locations	24/7	404‑555‑0198
Georgia Medicaid – Flu treatment Assistance	Free antiviral prescriptions (Oseltamivir, Baloxavir)	Mon‑fri 8 am‑5 pm	1‑800‑422‑6589
local pharmacies (Walmart, CVS, Kroger)	Walk‑in flu shots, antiviral pick‑up	Varies	See pharmacy locator on archyde.com
DeKalb EMS “Flu‑Safe” mobile unit	On‑site assessment for high‑risk seniors	Jan 12‑14, 2026	404‑555‑4620

---

Real‑world case study: 2024 DeKalb flu surge

• Background: In December 2024, DeKalb County experienced an H1N1‑driven outbreak that increased 911 calls by 22 %.
• Response: County officials launched a “Flu‑Ready” campaign, establishing pop‑up vaccination sites in schools and churches, and distributing 10,000 N95 masks through community centers.
• Outcome: By February 2025, flu‑related EMS transports dropped 15 % compared with the same period in 2023, and hospital admission rates fell 12 %.

Key takeaway: Early community outreach and accessible vaccination can dramatically reduce emergency call volume.

---

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Are antiviral medications still effective against the current H3N2 strain?

A: Yes. The CDC reports a > 90 % susceptibility rate for Oseltamivir and Baloxavir against the 2026 H3N2 isolate. Early prescription (within 48 hrs of symptom onset) shortens illness by 1‑2 days.

Q2: Can children under 6 receive the flu vaccine?

A: The high‑dose quadrivalent vaccine is approved for ages 6 months and older. Pediatric dosing is weight‑adjusted; consult your pediatrician.

Q3: What should I do if I suspect my neighbor is too ill to call 911 themselves?

A: Check if thay’re breathing normally. If they show any severe symptoms (e.g., labored breathing, unconsciousness), call 911 instantly and inform the dispatcher of the suspected flu context.

Q4: How can I verify if a 911 call is being logged as “flu‑related”?

A: The DeKalb County 911 Center categorizes calls by chief complaint. Residents can request a summary of call categories through a public records request (GD § 50‑5‑6).

---

Stay informed, stay protected, and help keep DeKalb County’s emergency services available for everyone.