Influenza sickens millions of people each year, hospitalizing hundreds of thousands and killing tens of thousands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Getting vaccinated not only reduces the risk of influenza, it also has been shown to lessen potentially serious complications if you happen to catch it.

This year, the influenza vaccine will cover three strains: two A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and B/Victoria. The vaccine will no longer have the B/Yamagata strain because it is no longer circulating.

Rich Lakin, immunization director for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, said it’s hard to predict when influenza is going to start given all the global travel these days. However, statistically, the respiratory virus begins circulating in November.

He said a good time to get the vaccine is usually two weeks before Thanksgiving.

“There are some years where it might start hitting in October and other times it may not hit until later November,” Lakin said. “If it does start in October, it’s obviously a good time to go out and get the vaccine. But I usually get mine about two weeks before everyone is gathering together for Thanksgiving or other festivities where a lot of people gather indoors.”

Influenza is a virus affecting the nose, throat and lungs and is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets.

“If you get the flu, you’ll know it,” Lakin said, “because you’re going to be in bed and you’re going to be sick.”

Symptoms of influenza can come on suddenly and include fever, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, cough, headache and chills. Children also can experience vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes, influenza can lead to complications such as pneumonia.

“It’s important to get the vaccine, but it’s also important to stay home if you’re sick, sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands,” Lakin said.

In addition to the influenza vaccine, Lakin said the public also can get the latest COVID-19 vaccine. There are now three available. Pfizer and Moderna are offering the mRna vaccine and Novavax is offering a more traditional protein-type vaccine much like the influenza vaccine most people are used to getting.

“COVID has been increasing lately and we’ve seen that increase happening around the country and in Utah as well,” Lakin said. “The CDC is recommending everyone get the updated vaccine — not to prevent getting COVID but to protect against serious illness in case you do get it.”

Lakin said while new variants are always popping up, there is little difference between them right now. However, because they can escape immunity, it’s wise to get the vaccine, he added.

“There are a lot of smart people working on this vaccine and a lot of checks and balances are made to make sure they are safe,” Lakin said. “We’ve gone a few years now with the vaccines and the data has proven they are safe and effective.”

Lakin said the Novavax vaccine hasn’t hit the pharmacy shelves yet, but it is in the process of being shipped.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include congested or runny nose, sneezing, scratchy or sore throat, cough with or without difficulty breathing, aches and pains, chills, weakness, headache, fever, and loss of smell, taste or appetite.

Because symptoms are very similar to influenza, it’s recommended to get tested in case you need a specific type of treatment.

“Remember, influenza and COVID can cause mild to severe illness and it’s not something we should take lightly,” Lakin said. “That’s why we always recommend the vaccine.”