Augusta -
Health officials are urging Mainers who have not yet been vaccinated against influenza to receive a flu shot.
Dr. Shiela Pinette, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says there is plenty of flu vaccine readily available.
Last week, a school-aged child from central Maine died from influenza A, marking the first pediatric death of the flu season in Maine.
Pinette says pediatric death due to flu is required to be reported to public health officials and is rare.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue.
"Anyone with these symptoms should follow the No Flu 4 You guidelines" says Dr. Pinette. "This includes hand washing, good respiratory etiquette including covering your cough, staying home while ill and getting vaccinated."
If you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine, call the Maine Immunization Program at 207-287-3746 or 1-800-867-4775.
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