ASHLAND, Ky (WKYT) - It may seem a little early but health officials in Kentucky are already advising people to get their flu shots. That's because confirmed cases are already popping up well ahead of the normal flu season.

Those confirmed cases are out of the Boyd County Health Department in Ashland. They say so far, all cases have been the H3N2 strain but none are linked to swine exposure found in Ohio.

Officials at the Fayette County Health Department say they were already planning for this year's flu season, but they've had to step up those plans.

"This seems to be a little earlier than usual, we may bump up our shot giving schedule just to meet the needs of the community," said Lois Davis, the public health nursing manager.

While the peak of the flu season is in January and February, low levels of flu activity can sometimes pop up as early as late summer.

This seasons flu shot is a 3-in-1 vaccine, covering H1N1 and two other strains. That shot takes about two weeks to become effective, one of the reasons people are already getting it.

Health officials are advising everyone over the age of six months old to get vaccinated.

You can follow the Lexington Fayette County Health Department on Twitter @LFCHD. They will also be updating their website, Lexflucrew.com.