NM health officials confirm first flu case

Friday November 16, 2012 3:30 PM

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — This season's first case of influenza has been confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health.

Health officials made the announcement Friday, saying the first case to be reported involves a woman from Santa Fe County.

Officials are urging New Mexicans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

State Epidemiologist Michael Landen says getting a flu shot is the best protection against the spread of the disease, especially for children and those at high risk.

Symptoms can include a fever, body aches, tiredness and cough.

The Health Department says it doesn't track every case of flu in New Mexico. However, it does track influenza-like illness at several locations around the state to estimate the amount of flu activity.

©2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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