The state Department of Health reported the first confirmed influenza case of the season Monday.

The patient was in the Forrest County area.

The department’s laboratory on Friday confirmed the presence of the flu virus in the sample. Health officials are monitoring the flu through the Influenza-Like Illness System, made up of 53 health care providers in the state.

Interim State Health Officer Doctor Ed Thompson is urging people to get vaccinated.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, and often extreme fatigue. Sore throat, headache, muscle aches and a runny nose are also often present.