ONE-ON-ONE: USC pharmacy professor explains this year’s flu shot

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Last year, 14,000 people died from influenza according to the CDC and more than 200,000 were hospitalized.

While the vaccine cannot prevent all flu cases, University of South Carolina pharmacy professor Dr. Patti Fabel says it can prevent serious illness.

The flu shot helps protect you but does take two weeks to kick in.

Flu season typically runs October to May with peak activity during December to March. That is why health professionals are urging you to consider getting your flu shot as soon as possible, even if you got one last year.

A vaccine can not only help your chances of not catching the virus, but also help you recover faster if you do get the flu according to Dr. Fabel.

The pharmacy professor also says it is safe to get a COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same time as your flu shot.