OKEMOS - The first cases of influenza in Michigan have recently been confirmed for the 2014-2015 flu season, causing doctors to speak out to the community.

Last week, doctors gathered to urge residents to get vaccinated against the flu. Dr. Matthew Davis, M.D., the Chief Medical Executive of the Michigan Department of Community Health, Myral R. Robbins, D.O, President of the Michigan Osteopathic Association, and Kenneth Elmassian, D.O., the immediate Past President of the Michigan State Medical Society spoke about the importance of vaccinating yourself and your family.

"We have a preventable disease that we're able to focus in on, and we have ways of being able to protect the population. So I think it's critically important that we do that,” said Dr. Elmassian.

Dr. Elmassian even got himself a flu shot at the press conference to lead by example.

The flu is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and pregnant women, but it can affect people of all ages. It is recommended that you get your flu shot as early as you can into the flu season.