TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - Across the country, rates of influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are rising. For many parents, it can be hard to know when a runny nose is just a cold or something more serious.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (GaDPH), nearly 24 percent of tests at clinical laboratories came back positive for Flu during the first week of December. That’s up from about 18 percent the week before. Since early October, Georgia has seen 325 flu-related hospitalizations and nine deaths.

Positive test rates for RSV in Georgia climbed from 2.8 percent in early October to 14.4 percent by the last week of November.

Tifton Pediatrician Dr. Falvia Rossi said one of the biggest challenges for parents is knowing when symptoms need medical attention, especially in younger children.

“RSV will sound like they’re kind of junky on their lungs and lots of mucus. Flu is more of a body ache, fever-kind of illness. It’s hard for a parent who is not medical to know the difference. Bring them to us, and we will be happy to check them out,” said Dr. Rossi.

Dr. Rossi also said treatment for flu and RSV is mostly supportive, while prevention is key. She encourages vaccinations, including a new monoclonal antibody injection for RSV.

“We now have an RSV monoclonal antibody injection that is available to any baby less than eight months old and to pregnant mothers as well. You can get it on your third trimester, and it passes on and protects your baby,” said Dr. Rossi.

Doctors said that avoiding crowds, washing hands often, keeping sick kids home and knowing the warning signs of flu and RSV can help prevent the spread.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.