Get Vaccinated, Health Officials Say, As Michigan Confirms First Flu Cases

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Health officials are encouraging Michigan residents to get flu vaccinations as the state says it confirmed its first influenza cases of the 2014-2015 season.

The Michigan Department of Community Health announced Thursday that it recently confirmed three cases of influenza in adults, the first of the season identified by a state laboratory. One case is H1N1, one is H3N2 and one is an influenza B virus.

The announcement came as the department, the Michigan Osteopathic Association and the Michigan State Medical Society worked to promote vaccinations.

Kroger Clinical Care Coordinator Michelle Izor says the flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death — especially for infants and the elderly.

Every flu season is different and that's why you need to get a flu shot every year; and Izor told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites it's a good idea to get the shot sooner rather than later because it takes time for it to work.

"It does take your body about two weeks to produce an immunity toward the flu," she said.

The flu shot is recommended for anyone six months of age and older. It's easy to get and doesn't take long. In addition to your doctor's office, many drug stores and grocery stores offer the vaccine.

The peak of seasonal flu typically comes between January and April. During the 2013-2014 flu season, officials said there were three influenza-associated deaths of children in the state.

Get more information on the flu from the state HERE.

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