Michigan health officials say the flu has arrived in Michigan, and it's much earlier than usual.
The flu doesn't usually get a grip until January or February. But more than 30 cases have been reported so far in the state.
Angela Minicucci is with the Michigan Department of Community Health. She says it could be a nasty flu season, and with holiday family gatherings coming up, it's a good idea to get a flu shot now.
"The flu vaccine this year has actually matched up pretty well to the flu strains we've seen circulating in the environment, so people have a good chance of protecting themselves," Minicucci says.
Minicucci says there's an ample supply of the vaccine at doctor's offices and at many pharmacies.
Babies younger than six months cannot get the flu shot, so it's recommended that anyone who's around infants be vaccinated.
And Minicucci says there's another vulnerable population:
"Those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to getting the flu and adverse side effects, and as we know, in some cases the flu can be fatal. So we want to make sure we're protecting early in the season."
