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"During the past 30 flu seasons, the peak didn't hit until February or March," Carp said. "But it does take two weeks for the flu shot to take effect. Everyone is different, but the flu shot provides protection for an average of three to six months."



James said some patients did receive flu shots in October and November. Demand for flu shots typically tapers off after Thanksgiving.



The Associated Press recently reported that there's more than enough vaccine to go around. A record 110 million to 115 million flu shots are expected to be available this year. Millions are likely to be discarded at the end of the flu season. The shots are brewed fresh before each season to match the strains of the flu virus expected to be most prevalent, and they cannot be saved year to year.



"We really haven't seen that many flu cases in the hospital yet, but other viral illnesses that cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms have been going around," James said. "The flu shot always protects against two strains of A virus and one strain of B virus. Since 1977, different strains of the viruses have been circulating and changing each year."



During some seasons, James said the flu is not as prevalent, but it's difficult to predict how quickly the virus will spread and how many cases will be reported in any given year.



"It might be a fizzle year," he said. "Are we going to see an increase in flu cases this season? There is no predicting it."



The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications from the flu.



Symptoms are fever, dry cough, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, extreme fatigue, runny/stuffy nose and sometimes stomach symptoms.



Anyone who wants to reduce his or her chance of getting the flu can get vaccinated, however, there are certain people who should receive the flu shot because they are at high risk for complications. They include:



- Children age 6 months to 5 years



- People age 50 or older



- Pregnant women



- Residents of long-term care facilities



- People with muscle or nerve disorders (seizures, cerebral palsy)



- People with weakened immune system (long-term steroid users or those receiving cancer treatment)



- People age 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy



- Any person who lives with or cares for someone who is at high risk for developing complications from the flu



- People who provide essential community services



- People who live in dormitories or in crowded conditions



- People who travel to the Southern Hemisphere between April and September or to the tropics at any time in organized tourist groups



Those who should talk with their doctor before getting the flu vaccine are:



- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs



- People who had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past



- People with Guillain-Barre syndrome (severe paralytic illness)



- Children younger than 6 months old



- People with a moderate to severe illness with a fever who should wait to get vaccinated after their symptoms lessen



To protect people from developing the flu, they are advised to:



- Avoid close contact with people who are sick



- Stay at home when you are sick



- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing



- Wash your hands often



- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth



- Practice good health habits (sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods)



Kaynak: SağlıkHaber