The time of the flu shot is now

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Despite the hot days we are approaching the fall, the cold and flu season begins in less than two weeks. Doctors warn that people must take precautions to avoid a repeat of the deadly flu season that we saw last year. The time to get the flu shot is sooner than expected. Many people wait until the winter to see more people coughing and sneezing. But a doctor told NewsChannel 6 that the time is in fact now.

"Rather bad." This is how Dr. Hetal Thakore, director of patient medicine at Doctors Hospital, described the influenza season of last year.

And for some, this cough and sneezing added to what the CDC has called one of the most lethal influenza seasons.

"Often, very young people and very old people end up with superimposed infections," said Dr. Thakore. "Then they will catch the flu and they will have pneumonia or something that really weakens them."

This year's flu season starts on October 1st. But the CDC urges people to act now after the 2017-2018 influenza season that caused 180 pediatric deaths and high rates of hospitalization. 80% of children who have died of influenza have not been vaccinated against influenza.

Dr. Thakore added, "If you could get the flu shot earlier, that would be better, then you cover up for most of the flu season, if you get it earlier in the season".

The doctor also said that you can catch the flu, in some cases even with the flu shot. Just be sure to look for the symptoms.

"Bodywork, fevers, chills, runny nose, feeling absolutely horrible," he said. "Not want to eat, drink or move."

The CDC added that a record number of doses of influenza vaccine had been distributed last year. It's about 155 million.