Georgia tied for largest flu virus outbreak with California and Massachusetts

The state of Georgia is ranked one of the sickest states in the country right now due to the influenza virus.

Nearly half a million people are estimated to have the flu in the state, according to Dr. Ruis at the Dougherty County Health Department.

Georgia is tied with California and Massachusetts when it comes to having a widespread outbreak.

He also said that four people have died from the flu virus in the area since September.

Dr. Ruis said this is cause for concern.

"The scary thing to think about is that the worst may not be here," said Ruis. "The worst may be yet to come and that's why its so important to talk about why we can avoid the flu."

Dr. Ruis said there are a few categories that people fall into that causes them to have severe complications with the flu.

If you're diabetic, over 65, have HIV, or are a young child you are more likely to die or experience complications with the virus.

The area is mostly seeing type A spread the quickest.