This season's first case of influenza has been confirmed by the New Mexico Department of Health. Health officials made the announcement Friday, saying the first case to be reported involves a woman from Santa Fe County.
Officials are urging New Mexicans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
State Epidemiologist Michael Landen says getting a flu shot is the best protection against the spread of the disease, especially for children and those at high risk.
Symptoms can include a fever, body aches, tiredness and cough.
The Health Department says it doesn't track every case of flu in New Mexico. However, it does track influenza-like illness at several locations around the state to estimate the amount of flu activity.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.