Time for Flu Shot

Flu season has not started yet but doctors are already encouraging patients to get vaccinated.  Doctors say now is the best time to get vaccinated because then you know you are protected for the season. In last year’s flu season, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reported more than 1,700 people across the state were hospitalized as a result of the flu and 46 people died.  Doctors say it takes a few weeks for the flu shot to build up antibodies in your body to fight off the flu, so now is a good time to go ahead and get your flu shot. Typically, the peak flu season is in January and February. DHEC says last year, it peaked earlier than that. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and up get vaccinated.