Shot needed now to prevent the flu during the holidays

ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) - Time is running out for people concerned about the flu to protect themselves through the upcoming holiday season.

According to Allen County’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Deb McMahan, the body develops the antibodies necessary from the flu vaccine one or two weeks after it is administered.

A glance at the calendar would indicate that the current week would be ideal for those worried about contracting illness in large holiday gatherings.

“With people flying, riding in cars and all the parties and such, I do worry about it having an increased number of cases because it's so early and because of all the holiday plans that people will be attending,” McMahan said.

The Centers for Disease Control has announced that the 2013 flu season is beginning earlier and that the stronger virus is spreading faster than normal.

“If you're not going to get vaccinated you need to prepare for being off work for probably a week or so and for the fatigue to last two-to-three weeks at least because it does take quite a while to recover from these,” McMahan warned.

Thirty percent of the population is estimated to be vaccinated against the flu.

Most pharmacies, physician offices and county health clinics offer the flu vaccine.