Don't let flu season fool you

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - It's been a mild flu season so far, but Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County say it's still not too late in the season for the virus to strike.

The influenza virus is pretty unpredictable. Some years it peaks in December, others as late as February. That appears to be the case here this winter.

Public Health workers want you to take advantage of the next couple weeks and get a flu shot if you haven't already done so.

"You can't predict when you are going to have a peak in the season, as well as you can't say if we are going to have a good or bad season. You really have to look back on it after you've gone through the winter season. So far this year, it's been very mild and we don't know if it's going to stay that way or if it's going to be a real problem," said Bill Wharton, Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County.

Wharton says flu season can peak as late as February and run all the way through April. So, just because it hasn't hit our area yet, doesn't mean we are in the clear.

"We've had indications the flu is starting to pick up in Kentucky. It might not be a bad time to get your flu shot now because it takes a couple of weeks to build up full immunity," said Wharton.

Check with your doctor or pharmacy if you still need a flu shot.

The clinic at Dayton and Montgomery County is an option. Vaccines cost $20.00, but are based on ability to pay.