Flu season begins in New Mexico; Three children diagnosed with illness

Health officials said the three individuals, from Quay County, that have been diagnosed with the flu are children, ages 8, 11, and 13 years old.

“We encourage New Mexicans to get their seasonal flu vaccination – the sooner the better,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “The exact timing and duration of flu season changes year-to-year, but flu activity often begins to heighten in October. 

The Department of Health recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu shot every year.

People who have the flu may have some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.