Maryland Reports First Seasonal Flu Case
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Flu season has arrived in Maryland.
The state health department announced Thursday that a lab-confirmed case of influenza was diagnosed in a patient on the Eastern Shore. That patient was hospitalized and released.
The strain confirmed in the patient is one of three strains that this year's flu vaccine offers protection against.
The health department recommends the flu vaccine for everyone over six months old. It is especially recommended for children, people age 50 and older, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions and those who care for people in high-risk categories, including school and health care workers.
Last year, Maryland confirmed its first flu case on Oct. 3.
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