Flu season appears to be early, so get vaccinated

With influenza activity increasing across parts of the United States, including in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services encourages residents to take preventive steps now to protect themselves, their families and their communities as holiday travel and activities begin.

Vaccination remains the most important tool for prevention of serious influenza illness. In alignment with National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is observed annually in early December, MDHHS urges everyone who is able to get their flu vaccine if they have not already done so.

“The flu vaccine may not prevent mild illness, but data shows it reduces severe complications of influenza, including hospitalization,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive, said in a news release.