Pennsylvania confirms first influenza case

Dec 4 2004

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson has announced that a 13-year-old Philadelphia County teen has the season's first, lab-confirmed case of flu.

The Department of Health's laboratory confirmed late yesterday that the teen had Type A-Fujian influenza, which is a strain included in this year's flu vaccine.

"Now that flu season has arrived in Pennsylvania, every resident should remember to practice healthy habits," said Dr. Johnson. "Routines such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you are sick can lessen your risk of getting the flu or reduce the severity of the illness."

Flu season typically arrives in late November through March. Its symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Children can have additional gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults.