Georgia Flu Hits High as RSV Surges, Hospitals Overwhelmed

Georgia Department of Public Health data through Week 4 ending Jan. 31, 2026, shows flu activity at high levels, scoring 10 on a 1-13 scale, with 5.1% of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness exceeding the 3.4% regional baseline. The state logged two more flu-associated deaths that week, totaling 140 since October 2025, alongside 59 new metro Atlanta hospitalizations for 3,135 season-to-date and six additional outbreaks for 125 total. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta reports surging emergency visits from kids with flu-like symptoms and respiratory distress, particularly dangerous for infants and those with chronic conditions.