First flu case in Minn. comes earlier than usual

Flu shot
A nurse practitioner prepares a seasonal flu vaccination for a patient at a clinic Sept. 1, 2009 in Chicago.
M. Spencer Green/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Minnesota has had its first confirmed flu case of the season. The Minnesota Department of Health says a 26-year-old woman from Olmsted County contracted an "A strain" of flu that appears to be covered by this year's vaccine. The woman had not been vaccinated.

This flu case is coming a bit earlier in the season this year, according to Kristen Ehresmann, director of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Prevention and Control division at the state Health Department. She says typically the first influenza case occurs toward the end of November.

Ehresmann says the early start to the flu season means there's more urgency for people to get vaccinated now. Since there's plenty of influenza vaccine available this season, she says Minnesotans should have no problem finding a dose.

Vaccination is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, unless they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.