As flu cases surge across Georgia this holiday season, with reports of an earlier-than-usual spike in infections and hospitalizations, health experts are urging residents to separate fact from fiction when it comes to colds, the flu, and vaccines.
The Georgia Department of Public Health and local doctors note increasing positive flu tests, particularly Influenza A, along with moderate levels of respiratory illnesses statewide.
In this article, we’ll cover truths about influenza, then we’ll share where you can get a free flu shot in Atlanta.
Flu Facts You Need To Know
Metro Atlanta hospitals are bracing for a potentially severe season, reminding everyone that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
Here are some of the most persistent myths about colds and flu – and the truth behind them, backed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and scientific studies:
Myth 1: The flu vaccine can give you the flu
Fact: No, the flu shot cannot cause flu illness. Most flu vaccines use inactivated (killed) viruses or contain no flu virus at all – they simply teach your immune system to fight the real thing. Any side effects, like a sore arm or low-grade fever, are mild and short-lived.
The CDC clearly states that flu vaccines do not cause the flu, and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, especially as activity rises in Georgia.
Myth 2: Cold weather directly causes colds or the flu
Fact: While we’re seeing more illnesses during Georgia’s cooler months, the cold air itself isn’t the culprit. Viruses spread more easily indoors when people gather closely, and dry winter air helps them survive longer.
A Swedish study showed flu viruses travel farther in cold, dry conditions, but exposure to chilly weather doesn’t infect you – contact with the virus does.
Myth 3: Not bundling up properly will make you catch a cold
Fact: Your mom might have warned you, but going out without a jacket won’t give you a cold. Research from the UK, including a study where volunteers were exposed to cold conditions, found no link between chilling and developing cold symptoms.
It’s all about virus transmission through coughs, sneezes, or touched surfaces – not the temperature outside.
Myth 4: You should “starve a fever” (or flu) to recover faster
Fact: The old saying “feed a cold, starve a flu” is outdated and potentially harmful.
Cutting calories when sick can weaken your immune response. Studies on animals showed that restricted diets made it harder to fight influenza by reducing key infection-fighting cells. Stay nourished and hydrated – your body needs fuel to battle the virus.
Myth 5: Chicken soup or a hot toddy can cure a cold or flu
Fact: There’s no cure for the common cold, and flu requires rest and sometimes antivirals. That said, remedies like chicken soup can help soothe symptoms with hydration, warmth, and nutrients. Research supports its benefits for congestion relief. A hot toddy (hot water, lemon, honey, and perhaps a splash of whiskey) may ease mucus and provide vitamin C comfort – but it’s symptom relief, not a cure.
Pharmacies Offering Free Flu Vaccines in Metro Atlanta
As flu season continues into late 2025, many metro Atlanta pharmacies provide free flu shots for individuals with most health insurance plans (including Medicare Part B), with no copay in most cases.
Eligibility varies by plan, so confirm with your insurer or the pharmacy. Walk-ins are often accepted, but scheduling ahead is recommended due to high demand.Major Pharmacy Chains
- CVS Pharmacy (including locations inside Target stores)
Flu shots are no cost with most insurance. They offer standard, senior-dose, and egg-free options. Available at hundreds of locations across metro Atlanta. Schedule online at cvs.com/immunizations/flu or walk in. - Walgreens
No cost with most insurance. High-dose shots available for ages 65+. Walk-ins welcome or schedule at walgreens.com/topic/pharmacy/seasonal-flu.jsp. - Publix Pharmacy
Covered at no cost with most insurance plans. Many locations throughout metro Atlanta (common in suburbs like Marietta, Decatur, and Alpharetta). - Kroger Pharmacy (including affiliated stores)
Free with most insurance coverage.
Notes for Uninsured Individuals
Commercial pharmacies typically charge $45–$90 without insurance. For lower-cost options:
- Grady Health Neighborhood Centers → Offer walk-in flu shots for $10 (no insurance required) weekdays 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- County Health Departments (e.g., Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett) → Provide low-cost shots (often $21–$25 admin fee), and no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Call ahead for availability.
- Use Vaccinefinder.org to find nearby locations, including potential community clinics or events offering free/low-cost shots.
Final Word
With flu activity ramping up in Atlanta and across Georgia – including reports of hundreds of hospitalizations and warnings from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta about early pediatric cases – experts emphasize prevention: Get your flu shot (available at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices), wash hands frequently, cover coughs, and stay home if sick.
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, noting it reduces severity even if you catch the virus.
As we head into the holidays, protecting yourself and vulnerable loved ones – like kids, seniors, and those with chronic conditions – is more important than ever.
Stay healthy, Atlanta! For the latest local flu updates, check the Georgia Department of Public Health website.