It’s that time of year again when medical professionals are warning against the dangers of the seasonal flu.

The flu season typically begins in early October. The symptoms include headache, body aches, sore throat and fever, and they progress quickly.Contrary to popular opinion, it’s not just one, or two groups of the population that are at risk. Everyone is at risk.

A perfectly healthy adult can become infected and take the virus home to the whole family; the flu is very contagious.

In some cases, especially those concerning the very young and the very old, the flu can even be deadly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 5% to 20% of the U.S. population will get the flu this year, but there are steps you can take to have a fighting chance at staying healthy.

According to Jann Huckaby, Director of Nurses at Willis Knighton’s Quick Care Center, “the first thing you need to do is get a flu shot”.

The flu shot is being offered at medical facilities and pharmacies across the ArkLaTex, and people are taking advantage of the opportunity.

The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, but there are some who need to avoid the vaccine all together.

According to Dr. Catherine Speights, Co-Medical Director of the Quick Care Clinics, “people with allergies to eggs and those who’ve had a bad reaction to the shot before” shouldn’t get it.

With the shot readily available, people can now arm themselves against the seasonal flu.For more information about the flu, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website.