Dr. Curtis says flu season, which typically runs until early March, is still in the early stages. Since the season is still young, he says the best line of defense is to get a flu shot – for yourself and those you love.

It takes a week or two to build up your immunity after getting vaccinated.

Flu usually starts with a quick onset of fever and chills with a typical bout lasting one to two weeks. While severe symptoms usually subside in two to three days, weakness, fatigue, and a dry cough can linger for up to a week.

There have already been reports of deaths associated with this year’s flu, including a child in Illinois. Most of the cases are those who fall into what are considered high-risk categories: those over 65, young children, and those with chronic health issues like asthma or COPD.

What’s alarming to Dr. Curtis is the increased number of people dying who either won’t or didn’t get a flu shot.

“When we look at some of the data, over 80% of the people that are dying have not been vaccinated for it, which makes sense with the H1N1 being the predominant strain – which is a strain that really hasn't been seen in the communities a lot,” explained Dr. Curtis. “And so you have a strain that really hasn't been seen and the people that are at highest risk are people who have chronic medical conditions – so the old, young, and now people that aren’t vaccinated.”