Flu season officially arrives

Getting a flu shot
A Minneapolis woman gets a flu shot at a flu clinic in her neighborhood.
MPR Photo/Mark Zdechlik

The flu season has officially arrived in Minnesota. The State Health Department said today a 39-year-old man from Chisago County is the first confirmed case of influenza for the 2008-'09 season.

Officials say the man's virus is a good match for this year's vaccine. Flu season is off to a typical start this year with the first flu case historically confirmed most often in late November or early December.

The Health Department says it's not too late to get a flu shot. Widespread influenza activity in Minnesota usually peaks in February.

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