Get an early start in fight against flu

We had unusually hot weather at the end of summer, but there's a welcome chill in the air as October approaches.

Pumpkins are out for fall decorations and Halloween, and we're already being invited to use lay-away plans for our Christmas shopping.

Can the flu season be far away?

Actually, no, according to health officials.

In fact, last year, flu cases began to peak in November and December instead of the typical February.

That means now is as good a time as any to get your flu shot, which takes a couple of weeks to kick in.

Drug companies always have to prepare vaccines far in advance of flu season, gambling that they know what strain of flu will be dominant.

This year, however, four strains of flu will be covered by the vaccine, including an additional strain of influenza B what was widespread last year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 73,000 specimens tested positive for the influenza A virus and the influenza B virus from September 2012 to May 2013.

This is the first flu season a special vaccine has been made safe for people with egg allergies.

Up to 220,000 people per year are hospitalized and an average of 24,000 patients die nationwide as a result of influenza, according to the CDC.

Still not convinced that you should get a flu shot?

No, you cannot get the flu from flu vaccine; if you seemed to, perhaps you had already been exposed to the virus before the shot could take effect.

Yes, you might be healthy enough to get the flu without serious complications, but you might spread it to someone who isn't -- like a baby, a grandparent or a friend with a weakened immune system.

Perhaps the flu hasn't hit yet, but a shot can protect you all season long, even if there are only a few months remaining. If you wait until your friends and family have the flu, it's probably too late.

No, the shots really don't hurt that much, especially compared to a full-blown case of influenza. You might be able to take the nasal form of vaccine instead of an injection.

Yes, you need to get a shot this year; last year's probably won't help.

Of course, there are reasons not to get a flu shot, such as a severe allergy to eggs or a previous flu shot; ask your provider.

Other reasons:

* You have a fever or are moderately ill at the time you want to get vaccinated.

* You are an infant under 6 months old.

* You have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is rare, but possible.

Check with your personal physician, clinic or health department about getting a flu shot as soon as possible.

For more information, visit http://www.flu.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/flu or call 800-CDC-INFO.