What to know about: flu season 2014

Flu season is just weeks away and before Mid-Missourians get sickened with the virus, ABC 17 News talked to doctors to find out what they expect for flu season 2014 and how to prepare.

Right now, doctors aren’t sure what kind of flu season we’re in for because it’s just too early to tell.

The flu is unpredictable from year to year, but with it sickening 5-20% of the population each year, doctors said it’s not too early to be thinking about your flu shot.

“We haven’t seen any cases yet, but we’ll probably start seeing them around mid-October,” Dr. Scott Schultz at Providence Urgent Care said. “It’s a good idea to plan on getting your flu shot now, and getting it in October.”

Dr. Schultz said it takes a few weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so it’s important to get the shot earlier than later.

“Influenza, we know, is one of the largest killers in America,” Dr. Schultz said. “Especially for very young or very old people or people with a chronic condition.”

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) said more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with flu-related symptoms or complications. And between 5,000-49,000 will die just in the U.S.

But Dr. Schultz said Mid-Missourians shouldn’t be too worried as long as they get their flu shot and practice proper hygiene.

Flu shots are recommended for anyone six months and older.