LANSING (WKZO) -- The Michigan Department of Community Health has confirmed the first two flu cases of the season, expecting many more before it all ends next spring. 

Experts believe it is time to start thinking about getting a flu shot, particularly if a person is chronically ill, has heart problems, is a senior, pregnant or immunologically deficient.  

To hammer home the point, the department introduced Zachary Yaksich, who watched helplessly as the flu took less than 48-hours to kill his normal happy 5-1/2 year old daughter, Alana. He said after what he went through, he thinks it’s irresponsible for parents not to get their kids vaccinated.  

Tens of thousands die annually in the U.S.from the flu. Last year 115 of them were children and 6 were from Michigan.

The Visiting Nurses Association of Kalamazoo plans a free presentation on flu immunization and other illness prevention steps at the Borgess Health and Fitness Center on Gull Road on October 20 at 4:30pm.   

Shots will be available at the event.