It's only December but there is no doubt that flu season has arrived. Everywhere you turn, someone else is coming down with it. If the rate and severity of this season hold up, we will be in the midst of the worst flu season we have seen since 2003-04, which was the last time we saw the seasonal flu get off to such an early start.
So far, the strain of influenza that is making most people sick is causing pretty severe symptoms that last for 7-10 days. It's not a quick 3-4 day illness like some.
The good news in all of this is that the flu vaccine is well matched to this strain of influenza and it seems that most people who were vaccinated have been able to avoid getting sick. On that note, if you haven't had time to get your flu vaccine yet, it's not too late! There are still plenty of them available and since the flu is everywhere, now is the time to get it. Don't put it off any longer, go get your flu vaccine.
It takes two weeks to take full effect, so if you get it now you still have a couple of week to see full protection, but it's better than getting the flu. Ask anyone who has had it this year, you don't want it!
To see how flu season is shaping up in your area, see:
For more information on types of flu vaccines available and which one might be right for you, read:
If you want to get vaccinated but aren't able to get to the doctor, see:
It remains to be seen how the rest of this flu season turns out, but you can take steps now to protect yourself and your family. Vaccination is the best protection.
