JACKSON, Miss.- The first confirmed flu case of 2016-2017 flu season has been announced by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). The patient is said to be located in Central Mississippi.
It was detected through the MSDH’s influenza surveillance system.
“This not only indicates that flu is present in the state, but also services as a reminder that now is the time to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so already,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “The flu shot takes one to two weeks to produce immunity, and flu season usually peaks in January through March in Mississippi.”
An estimated 3,000 – 49,0000 people die every year due to complications from the flu and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year due to the illness.
Flu vaccines will no longer be available at county health department clinics for adults, unless you are under insured or uninsured and meet certain high-risk criteria.
However, those that are 18 years and younger can get theirs at acounty health department and MSDH encourages everyone who is six months of age and older to go and get vaccinated. Rates are only $10 as a part of the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
For more information please visit their website here.
