(WOLO) COLUMBIA, S.C.,
It's not a question of if but when the flu season will hit our area hard, and while there have only been 25 hospitalizations due to flu like symptoms, it's a far cry from the hundreds who are usually trying to beat the bug by this time of the year.

State Epidemiologist, Dr. Jerry Gibson says since peak flu season can hit anywhere from February to as late as April, just because we are not seeing the spike doesn't mean we are out of the woods just yet.

Dr. Gibson says a milder than usual winter has allowed more people to venture outside where there is a smaller chance to spreading the virus in close contact. The good news is it's giving people plenty of time to prepare for the bug before it bites.

State officials say now is the prefect time to begin taking preventative measures from getting sick. Washing your hands, getting a flu shot or flu mist can be the first defense in saving yourself a lot of time , money and sickness. And even if you were vaccinated last year, keep in mind, The flu strain mutates every year. So, last year's shot will not protect from this year's Flu.