Health experts predict a severe influenza (flu) season this year. As a result, physicians are recommending that everyone receive a flu shot not just high-risk groups. 

  The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive a flu shot, with the exception of people with allergies to eggs and/or mercury, those who have had problems from previous flu shots, or those who have Guillain-Barr syndrome. Pregnant women should check with their obstetrician before receiving a flu shot. 

  The flu is not a joking matter, said Barry Willbrandt, MD, medical director of Baptist Minor Medical Centers. Thousands of people can die from the flu each year. Everyone should get a flu shot. Each year 36,000 Americans die from complications of influenza and 114,000 require hospitalization. The flu causes 111 million missed work days, which amounts to $7 billion in lost work time and decreased productivity.

  People in high-risk groups are especially vulnerable to serious health problems if they contract influenza, Willbrandt said. These high-risk groups include very young children, older adults, people with cystic fibrosis and people with asthma. 

  The influenza vaccine contains an inactivated flu virus, so there is a no way a person can get the flu from getting a flu shot a common misconception, Willbrandt said. 

  It is best to get the vaccine early in the fall before flu season is fully under way. Since protection from the flu develops about two weeks after vaccination, the ideal time to get a flu shot is late October to early November. December through March is considered peak flu season.

  A new nasal flu vaccine, called FluMist, is on the market this year. However, FluMist contains live flu virus so high-risk individuals cannot take it. It is only approved for healthy people ages 5-49 years old. It is also more expensive than a flu shot. For example, a flu shot costs $15 at Baptist Minor Medical Centers. The nasal vaccine can cost $50-$70. Baptist Minor Medical Centers will not offer the nasal vaccine this year, Willbrandt said. Physicians want to monitor the nasal vaccine this year to make sure there are no problems before offering it at Baptist. 

  For people who get the flu, there are antiviral treatments that can help. However, they must receive these medicines within 12-24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Flu symptoms include:

Sudden onset of symptoms, within a few hours. Cold symptoms develop over a few days.

• Body aches
• High fever
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Other symptoms may include stiff neck, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

  If you develop these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. 

  But better yet, get that flu shot to prevent getting the flu.