The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports 27 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in counties throughout Mississippi. The presence of influenza was documented by the MSDH Laboratory in the past few weeks.

"We are now in the peak season of influenza, which will last for the next couple of months," said State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson. "If you haven't gotten your flu shot, it's time to get it now. It's still not too late to get the vaccine." Thompson noted that the flu vaccine takes one to two weeks to produce immunity, and flu season usually peaks in January through March.

The first confirmed case of the flu during the 2007-2008 season was reported in early November.

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.

Health officials monitor flu through the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Sentinel System, made up of 53 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. Numbers reported through the ILI Sentinel System have been up over the past three weeks, which coincides with the number of confirmed cases by the MSDH Laboratory.

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.

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