First Flu Case Confirmed In Mississippi

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 12 Dec 2008 - 8:00 PST

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The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports the first laboratory confirmed influenza case of the 2008-2009 season. The presence of Influenza B in a sample from a patient in the Covington County area was documented at the MSDH Laboratory on Friday.

"This is National Influenza Vaccination Week which, in conjunction with our first lab confirmed case of the year, serves as a great reminder that it's not too late to get your flu shot," said State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson. He noted that the flu shot takes one to two weeks to produce immunity, and that although flu season usually peaks in January through March, it sometimes reaches high levels as early as December.

Health departments and clinics throughout Mississippi began distributing the flu vaccine in mid-October. The charge for flu vaccination is $25. Medicare Part B covers the cost of flu vaccination, so those with Medicare Part B should bring their cards with them to the clinic. Children ages six months through 18 years can receive flu vaccinations for $10.

Although flu is not a reportable disease, health officials monitor flu through the Influenza-Like Illness Sentinel System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi such as family practice clinics, student health centers, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists and emergency medicine personnel, to report flu-like symptoms into a statewide database.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, and often, extreme fatigue. Sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose are also often present.

While vaccination is the best protection, basic infection control measures can also help to help reduce the spread of flu. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you are sick and washing your hands frequently.

Mississippi State Department of Health