If you want to lower your chances of catching the flu, now is the best time to head to a pharmacy and get your flu shot. The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health stated that everyone should get vaccinated as soon as possible, and definitely before the end of October. 

Although it's never too late to get your flu shot, if more people get vaccinated this month, we can seriously prevent hospitalizations. It's especially important for children and the elderly to get vaccinated since they are often in more danger during flu season. 

Over the past few years, the flu mist nasal spray hasn't been approved. The CDC says it has been this year, but the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends that everyone get the flu vaccine instead since it has been proven to be more effective in years past. 

Keep in mind that getting the flu shot isn't just about protecting yourself. It's about shielding your friends, family, and other people from the flu, especially if they couldn't get vaccinated themselves. To find the nearest flu shot provider, check out this helpful tool from the CDC.