AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says early indicators show it could be a tough flu season in the state and beyond.

The flu season lasts from October to May, and typically peaks in the winter months. Maine CDC director Nirav Shah says the severity of flu season in Australia could indicate the U.S. is headed for a high number of cases this year.

The Portland Press Herald reports Maine had more than 10,000 confirmed cases of the flu and 48 flu-related deaths in the 2018-19 season. That was more than 1,000 more illnesses than the previous year, but 34 fewer deaths.

The first few cases of flu have been reported in Maine this season. Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches and a cough.

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