Counties near Chattanooga are now reporting highest flu rates in Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn — Tennessee health officials say flu activity is rising sharply in around Chattanooga, with counties surrounding Hamilton showing some of the highest rates in the state.

Marion, Grundy, Sequatchie, Bradley, Meigs, Rhea, Bledsoe, McMinn and Polk counties are currently the only areas in Tennessee rated “very high” for influenza activity by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These counties have flu positivity rates greater than 10 percent. By comparison, the statewide average is 6.5 percent, and Hamilton County itself is at 6.9 percent.

The illness can cause symptoms like fever, body aches, coughing and fatigue.

Mark Harrison, a Hamilton County resident, told us those are the same symptoms he felt when he says he was diagnosed with the flu in December.

“I began to lose my ability to focus and continue engaged in the conversation,” Harrison said.

“The fact that I got it at all, makes it seem worse than usual.”

State and federal health experts say the surge comes as influenza A(H3N2) continues to circulate widely.

Dr. Chirag Patel, a pharmacist at Max Discount Pharmacy on Highway 58, told us local pharmacies and clinics are witnessing a surge in cases firsthand.

“We did not see that many flu cases last year and the previous year,” said Patel. “This year, we already started early, around October, November, and now it’s still going on. That’s little bit red flag right there.”

Patel says detecting symptoms of the flu early can make a big difference in recovery.

“The first 48 hours after you having a first symptoms is really critical, Patel said.”

The CDC reports at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide so far this season.

One pediatric death was reported this week in Tennessee, bringing the season total to nine nationwide.

File photo: Getty Images.

Georgia officials are also reporting higher-than-average flu activity, signaling that the region is experiencing a particularly active season. Health authorities encourage residents six months and older to get vaccinated if they have not already and to take precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home when sick.

Flu activity is expected to remain elevated in Tennessee and across the U.S. for several more weeks, according to the CDC.

Local hospitals and clinics are urging families to monitor symptoms and seek care early, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.

For the latest guidance on influenza vaccination and antiviral treatments, visit the Tennessee Department of Health or the CDC at cdc.gov.

Depend on us to keep you informed as we learn more.