Minnesota Department of Health

News Release

December 8, 2006

Contact information

State’s first culture-confirmed influenza case matches vaccine

Minnesotans urged to get vaccinated to prevent influenza; plenty of vaccine available

Minnesota has recorded its first culture-confirmed case of influenza for the 2006-07 season in a 12-month old child from Hennepin County. The child’s illness was caused by the B/Shanghai-like strain of the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health reported today. The child’s virus is a good match for this year’s vaccine, health officials said.

While there have been reports of influenza cases around the state already this year, this announcement marks the official start of flu season in Minnesota. It’s also a reminder that it’s time to seek influenza vaccination, if you haven’t already.

“Identifying influenza in the laboratory helps us know which strains are circulating and that tells us how well this year’s vaccine will protect people from influenza and its complications,” said Kristen Ehresmann, section chief for immunizations at MDH. “Those who get influenza vaccination in the next week or two should be fully protected against influenza when the season peaks,” she said.

“Typically, widespread influenza activity in Minnesota peaks in February, but we can see cases as late as May,” Ehresmann said. “So now is a good time to get immunized.”

Influenza vaccination is important for anyone who wants to avoid influenza – regardless of age or health status, health officials said. A flu vaccine may help you avoid getting influenza – or giving it to others – when you're among crowds or family gatherings this holiday season.

This is the first year in which health officials are recommending that all children 6 months through 5 years of age get a flu shot. There is no vaccine for children under 6 months of age, so those around them should be sure to be vaccinated. “The fact that the first culture-confirmed case of the season occurred in a young child underscores the need for children to be immunized, because they are at high risk for complications of influenza,” Ehresmann said.

People 50 and older, people with chronic illnesses and people with weakened immune systems also are at higher risk for complications from influenza. “So if you are in one of these risk groups, or if you have regular contact with them, be sure to get immunized,” Ehresmann said. “People in these groups can end up in the hospital – or even die – if they get the flu.”

More information on who is most at risk for complications from influenza and who should seek influenza vaccination can be found on the MDH Web site at www.mdhflu.com.

MDH and the Minnesota Coalition for Adult Immunization have partnered with other organizations to provide opportunities for Minnesotans to get their flu shots during the “Ban the Bug” campaign Dec. 4-Dec. 15. To find the influenza vaccination clinic nearest you, go to the MDH influenza Web site at www.mdhflu.com and click on “Find a flu shot clinic.”

Minnesotans may also want to check with their provider about getting vaccinated. “Many clinics have plenty of flu vaccine available,” Ehresmann said. “The final vaccine shipments of the season have just reached providers in the last two weeks. If you weren’t able to get a flu shot earlier, check back with your provider now.”

The symptoms of influenza, which tend to come on suddenly, can include a sore throat, coughing, fever, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms should see a physician. Influenza is caused by a virus and antibiotics are not effective against it.

During flu season, it is important for everyone, shots or not, to do their part to avoid spreading influenza by following these guidelines:

• Do your best to stay healthy. Get plenty of rest, moderate exercise, and eat right.
• Stay home from school or work if you have a respiratory infection. Avoid exposing yourself to others who are sick with flu-like illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or with an alcohol based, waterless hand sanitizer.
• Clean surfaces you touch frequently, such as doorknobs, water faucets, refrigerator handles and telephones.

More information on influenza can be found on the MDH Web site at www.mdhflu.com.

-MDH-

For more information, contact:

Doug Schultz
MDH Communications
(651) 201-4993

Kristin Ehresmann
Immunizations, TB and Int'l Health
(651) 201-5414

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