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What if you could make this winter flu-free? Well, you can do a lot to help make that happen, and this is the time to do it. Flu season is almost upon us, and this week on Health Watch, we'll talk about what you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is a virus that causes fever, aches, chills and headache. Depending on the strain of the virus and the physical condition of the patient, the flu can be deadly. Dr. James Luby, an infectious diseases expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says that mid-October through mid-November is the best time to be vaccinated against the flu. It usually takes two weeks after the flu shot before you have full immunity, so you need to allow plenty of time before the start of flu season.
Next: who needs the flu shot?
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October 2006
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