2 flu-related deaths recorded in Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) Georgia health officials say the flu has killed two people in the state.

Dr. J. Patrick O'Neal, director of Health Protection at the Georgia Department of Public Health, said Wednesday that now is the time to get vaccinated, since many Georgians are likely to gather for holiday parties in the near future.

State health officials say both victims were adults and were the first to die of flu-related symptoms in Georgia this season.

O'Neal says the single most effective way of preventing the flu is getting the vaccine. Health officials also recommend frequent and thorough hand-washing, and using alcohol-based gels to sanitize hands if soap isn't available.

Peak flu season typically stretches from the end of January through late February or early March.