Columbia, SC (WLTX)- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Influenza season is under way and it's expected to peak in January and February.
"End of fall beginning of winter is when we start seeing more flu cases around the city," said Dr. Carlos Soto.
Dr. Soto, with Colonial Family Practice on Devine Street, stresses the importance of seniors, children younger than 2 and people with chronic health issues getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months an older should get a flu shot to prevent spreading the illness around.
"You can pass it on to someone where if they get it they will be in a bad situation," Dr. Soto said. "If you have a kid you don't want your kid to miss school and you don't want your family members to be hospitalized or maybe dead because of this."
The CDC says a flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing.
There is also a nasal-spray available for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.