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First Cases Of Flu Reported In Michigan Counties

DETROIT (WWJ) - No sooner does the flu season look like its off to a slow start than we get word of the first confirmed Michigan cases of influenza.

State Health officials say they've confirmed four cases of flu, reports WWJ Health Reporter Sean Lee,  the first identified by lab testing this flu season.

The illnesses occurred in both children and adults, from two Southeast Michigan counties, but we don't yet know exactly which ones yet.

Angela Minnicuci with the Michigan Department of Community Health says, based on lab tests, the vaccine appears to be well-matched against the virus.

"The cases themselves were flu strains that were in the flu shots this year, so that's a really good indicator that what is in the vacine is going to protect you from what we are already seeing circulating in the environment," she said.

"The reason it's so important to get a flu shot now, is because now that we know and have confirmed cases of the flu in Michigan it takes about two weeks for the flu vacine to fully protect you from getting the flu."

Michigan's level of flu activity is considered sporadic right now, but that could change at any time, so state health officials say protect yourself, now the time to get vaccinated.

For more information - click on MDCH Influenza.

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