It happens every time around this year. The seasons change, pumpkin spice fills the air...and THE FLU ARRIVES.
Last year's flu season was one of the worst in history, with over 80,000 deaths attributed to the flu - the most in over 40 years.
And while medical experts believe that this flu season may be milder, there are a multitude of reasons to still get your annual flu shot.
First of all, while the flu season is EXPECTED to be milder than last year's, it's too early in the season to tell. And although it's true that you can still get the flu even after being vaccinated for it, the vaccine can often mute the effects of the virus and keep it from making you even more sick.
Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams says "Everyone should look at every season as if it will be a bad season, and everyone should get vaccinated."
The CDC says that of the 180 flu deaths in children last year, 80% of them had not received the flu vaccine prior to contracting the virus.
To make it easier for you, the Affordable Care Act requires all insurance companies to cover the flu shot with no copay, so if you have health insurance there's really no reason NOT to get one.
And even if you're scared of needles, there's a nasal spray available called FluMist that serves the same purpose.
Stay healthy this flu season!