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Maine Confirms First Case of Seasonal Flu

AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine has confirmed its first case of seasonal flu.  Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Sheila Pinette, says the case turned up in Lincoln County in an unvaccinated adult.

The patient had not traveled recently, did not require hospitalization and is recovering at home, Pinette says. She says the virus was identified as an Influenza A strain.

She says both Influenza A and B strains are circulating across the nation.

Pinette says the current flu vaccine offers good protection against both strains. Health authorities recommend that anyone older than 6 months of age get a flu vaccination, which Pinette says is currently available in Maine.

Pinette urgers Mainers to follow the so-called "No Flu 4 You" guidelines: Wash your hands; cover your cough; stay home when you're sick; and get vaccinated.

Learn more about the state's influenza guidelines.
 

Barbara grew up in Biddeford, Maine. She earned a master’s in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a bachelor’s in English from the University of Southern Maine.