JACKSON, Miss.- This is the time of year you begin to see cases of the flu flare up.
“We’ve already had four confirmed cases across the state.” State Health Officer Mary Courier said, “We don’t know about every case of the flu in the state, so when we have four cases confirmed it likely means we have flu all across the state.”
Courier says it’s recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot.
“The flu shot is the most effective way to fight off the flu.” Courier said, “Other ways you can prevent the flu are by making sure people around you sneeze in their sleeve, cough in their sleeve, and wash your hands frequently.”
While the flu vaccine is not a perfect vaccine, it does work to keep people out of the hospital and it prevents death from the flu.
Nationwide, an estimated 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized each year because of the flu.
To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on the flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu.
