Flu season routinely peaks in February and officials at the Bear River Health Department (BRHD) say now is not too late to get a flu shot.

“We recommend everyone try to get their flu shot now because it takes two weeks to build a full immunity,” said Lisa Perkins, BRHD Immunization Program Manager.

Perkins said in Cache Valley, while there are strains that are covered by the flu shot, she agrees the current flu vaccine may not be a perfect match to all the strains that are circulating.

“Still, it is reducing the risk of hospitalization and pneumonia if you contract a strain of the flu that is not covered by the current vaccine.”

She said if you are suffering with fever, achiness, cold-like symptoms, it’s probably the flu.

“People think influenza is the ‘throw up’ kind of flu but it is the respiratory kind of flu where you are down and out for a week to 10 days.”

She said it is not uncommon to see strains of the H1-N1 flu well into the spring.

“That is a strain that we saw back in 2009 when we had the outbreak. It continues to be covered by the flu shot. Typically we see it more commonly in the spring, in all age groups.”

BRHD offers a high-dose flu shot recommended for seniors 65 and older providing four times the antigen for four times the immunity.

Flu shots cost $25 out of pocket and BRHD accepts most major insurances. No appointment is necessary.