Doctors encourage vaccinations with flu season in full swing

URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Flu season is here. Here's what you need to know to stay healthy.

Flu season takes place from September through March.

"The months start to get colder and people start congregating inside," said Colin Carroll, the Director of Occupational Medicine and Employee Health at Carle.

Carroll also shared that during the colder seasons, it can be hard to tell which illness you have contracted based on your symptoms.

"Flu does commonly present like the common cold. So, you'll have a runny nose, and a fever," Carroll said. "Some other symptoms that are really associated with the flu will be muscle aches, body aches and headaches."

Local health officials encourage community members to get vaccinated against the flu, as the earlier it's in your body, the earlier it can fight infections.

The CDC shared that the influenza strands change every year, so it's best to receive the most updated version.

"The CDC actually predicts what what flu strains are going to be circulating within the community each year. so the vaccine does change, annually," said Carroll. "And that's why it's important to get that vaccine updated each year."

Flu shots can be obtained at your doctor's office. flu clinics across the area, and many pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS.

For more on Carle's flu clinics, click here.