You've probably had your fair share of allergies and other ailments since fall. Most likely, it hasn't been the flu—yet.
Flu season can vary every year. Kelsey-Sebold's Melanie Mouzoon said it's shown up as early as August and as late as April. But, for 2017, it's looking to hit about the time you're preparing for Thanksgiving, so get your flu shot now.
“The more years in a row you get the vaccine, the more likely that you have a broad range of protection against the flu virus,” said Mouzoon.
Mouzoon said there is no shortage of flu vaccine and plenty to go around this year. Just be prepared for the shot, not a nasal spray. She said seven strains of the flu are administered in this year's vaccine.
Mouzoon added that getting the shot doesn't mean you'll get sick because it's a killed, split, inactive virus you're given. If you happen to get a reaction, it just means your body is responding to the vaccine--and that's a good thing because it will protect you. The vaccine takes two weeks to become effective.
Everyone should be out getting their flu shot in preparation for this flu season. Mouzoon said while they are monitoring cases, they haven't seen a rise, yet.
“When we get more than 10 percent of our tests returning positive, then that’s sort of, officially the start of the flu season for us,” said Mouzoon.