The flu season is officially underway in Kansas, where health authorities identified the first influenza cases this winter.

On Dec. 21, the Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories confirmed influenza in specimens from two adults from the same workplace in northwest Kansas.   Neither patient had a flu shot this year.   Five coworkers were also ill with symptoms of influenza.

Symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, and muscle aches. Complications can include pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, and dehydration; influenza may also worsen other chronic conditions.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment took the opportunity to remind you, if you haven’t already done so, to get your annual vaccination against influenza.

“Flu has arrived once again in the state. Although flu activity is now low, it normally rises during the holidays before peaking around February. Influenza can continue to circulate through spring, and the flu can be unpredictable,” said KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer Robert Moser, MD.

“There is still time for everyone to get a flu vaccination to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community.”

For information on receiving the influenza vaccine,  contact your health care provider or the local health department.   Visit www.kdheks.gov/flu for influenza facts.