Video: Mississippi Reports State Season’s 1st Flu Case

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Weeks into the flu season, state health officials say a Marshall County teen has Mississippi’s first reported flu infection.

State Epidemiologist Thomas Dobbs says people should get flu shots now, if they haven’t already. He says it usually takes a week or two to provide immunity.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say flu usually peaks between December and February, but seasonal increases may be seen from October through May.

The vaccination is recommended for anyone who’s at least six months old.

Doctors don’t report every case of flu to the Mississippi Department of Health. Rather, specific “sentinel” doctors, clinics and hospitals report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database so the state can track such ailments.

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Online: www.HealthyMS.com/flu