BRIEF: Get a flu shot, officials urge

Jan. 18--TRAVERSE CITY -- Rampant influenza infections have District Health Department No. 10 officials urging everyone older than six months to get vaccinated.

Michigan is one of 49 states the Centers for Disease Control considers to have widespread influenza A activity, according to a release from the Cadillac-based health department. Flu season can last as late as May, and there still is time to get a flu shot.

The contagion causes mild to severe infection in the nose, throat and lungs, causing coughing, sore throats and runny or stuffy noses, according to the release. Other symptoms include fever, chills, muscle or headaches and tiredness. Flu-related complications like pneumonia may be fatal.

This year's predominant strain, H3N2, typically sends more young children and those older than 65 to the hospital, according to the release. Getting vaccinated is especially important for the young, old, pregnant women, anyone with underlying health issues or those who live or care with high-risk individuals. They should also seek treatment as soon as possible if they have flu-like symptoms.

Doctor's offices, clinics, health departments and pharmacies offer the vaccine, according to the CDC.

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