Kids will be going back to school soon and inevitably, with the cooler weather comes respiratory virus season.

Although it may seem appealing to get a flu shot out of the way early, it isn’t advisable by health care professionals.

“August is too early to receive a flu vaccine if you want to be protected through the entire flu season,” said Katelin Arnold, a nurse practitioner at Panhandle Health District (PHD). “The most opportune time to receive your flu shot is late September or early October. That way the vaccine won’t wane before the flu season is over, giving you the greatest amount of protection throughout the entirety of the season.”

Respiratory virus season, when flu, RSV and other bugs are circulating, typically begins in mid to late September and can last through April. The se

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