Flu activity is low right now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but it's expected to pick up soon. It usually increases in October and commonly peaks between December and February.
It's estimated that 5-20 percent of the U.S. population will get the flu each year. The flu vaccine is the first step to protect yourself and takes about two weeks to kick in, making fall the perfect time to get vaccinated. Influenza causes fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. It can make otherwise healthy people seriously ill and lead to time in the hospital, or even death.
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"The flu is primarily spread through the air, so droplets from infected coughs and sneezes carry particles, and they are inhaled. So, that's why it's so important to be vaccinated," said Dr. Susan Rehm with Cleveland Clinic.
Kids are at greater risk of getting really sick from the flu, especially those under 5.
Doctors advise all children 6 months and older be vaccinated. And for healthy kids between 2 and 8, the nasal spray vaccine is the way to go.
"We know it's more effective against preventing the flu than the injectable vaccine," said Dr. Elaine Schulte with Cleveland Clinic Children's.
Pregnant women are another high-risk group when it comes to the flu. Because of changes to an expectant mom's body, she's more prone to serious illness, putting her and her baby in danger. Doctors recommend all pregnant women get a flu shot and say it's safe during any trimester.
"Many moms are concerned, 'Oh, is my baby gonna get exposed to this vaccine?' The reality is, it's not the vaccine that's crossing the placenta, it's the mom's antibodies, thereby providing protection to the baby for their first six months of life," explained Dr. Rebecca Starck, also with Cleveland Clinic.
People over 65 are also more prone to flu complications because immune defenses become weaker with age. Any flu shot will do, but seniors also have the option of a high-dose vaccine.
"The high-dose flu vaccine carries four times the amount of viral antigen, and it has been shown to produce a better antibody response and also to reduce the likelihood that people get the flu," Rehm said.
Rehm adds there's good news for people with egg allergies who have turned down the flu vaccine in the past. There are two vaccines available that are safe for people with egg allergies and they contain very little or no egg protein at all.
To find a place near you to get the flu vaccine, go to Vaccines.gov.