Severe Flu Season Expected: Get Your Shot, Immediately!

The CDC has warned of the possibility of a severe flu season due to circulation of the H3N2 strain of influenza A, which has been associated with worse health issues in the past. Unfortunately, only about half of the flu samples provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been matched to the vaccine.

"Immediate vaccination for anyone still unvaccinated this season," and recommend "prompt treatment with antiviral drugs for people at high risk of complications who develop flu," noted CDC advisors.

Everyone over the age of 6 months should receive the seasonal flu vaccine, according to health officials.

Those at higher risk for the seasonal flu include children under the age of 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions including asthma, diabetes, kidney, heart or lung disease.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, including sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, cough, body aches, headache or chills, seek medical advice and get checked out.

Recent evidence suggests that antiviral drugs against the flu are more effective when taken in the first 48 hours following symptoms.