The fall season is here and winter is just around the corner. While the changing leaves indicate cooler weather ahead, another season is almost upon us.

That is flu season.

Although it may still be relatively warm, it should be a priority to begin thinking about getting a flu shot instead of putting it off.

Many doctors, health departments, pharmacies and hospitals already have these shots available or will make them available in the near future.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) statistics show that between 3,000 and 49,000 deaths can be attributed directly to influenza or is a contributing factor. The population of the United States has seen an average of 5 to 20 percent annually get the flu.

Those are compelling facts that should not be ignored.

Most medical professionals are in agreement in recommending those persons 6 months and older should get the flu shot each year.

The debate has existed for many years on whether a flu shot really helps. Receiving the vaccination does not mean one does not have to worry about getting the flu.

In many cases, however, those who have taken the vaccination shot have seen an increase in the likelihood that one may not get the flu or ultimately not getting it as severely.

Don’t fall into the category of those who get sick and then wish they had received the shot.