AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A local doctor says it seems like more people than ever are getting sick.
It's affecting both young and old, and even those with up-to-date vaccines.
It's not just the flu, but upper respiratory infections and covid, as well.
"I thought I was going to die. My head started pounding. It went down into my chest and the coughing and the spitting up was like nonstop," he said.
As a single parent and business owner, sickness is not an option.
"I provide for my son. I am a single parent. I have a business to pay for. I have a home to pay for," said Billy.
But in this case, he had no choice.
I have to come to work. But this was different. It was two weeks, which caused me to close my shop for a week. I couldn't get out of bed. I was miserable," he said.
He tested positive for flu A.
Dr. Rodger MacArthur with Wellstar said: "It's hot. We look at a number of different viruses and it's not surprising that one or more of them is high. But the flu is very high. Some of the highest we've seen."
Georgia joins South Carolina, ranking at the top spots in levels 12 and 13.
They're the highest on the chart with 25 deaths and more than 2,000 hospitalizations since October in Georgia.
MacArthur says this year's strain of flu A Is dominating local Augusta hospitals.
"We are absolutely seeing more cases this year than last. Without question, we are seeing more cases," said MacArthur.
Doctors are having trouble putting a finger on the reason for the spike.
"There is nothing per se that is different. It just seems to be infecting more people," said MacArthur.
MacArthur says flu A ranks the worst out of three strains, and it packs a punch for all ages.
Billy said: "I don't care how tough you are. It's going to bring you down."
MacArthur said: "People will remember this year they got the flu."
MacArthur also says it's not too late to get your flu shot.
It does take a few weeks to kick in and does not guarantee 100% protection.
But once in your system, he says protection will last around three months.