Many people often mistake the flu for just a bad cold, but doctors at the University of New Mexico warn that influenza can lead to serious complications and hospitalizations each year.

Flu season typically starts in December and lasts through the spring months, but experts emphasize that protection should begin well before the season peaks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone ages six months and older receive the flu vaccine annually.

Health professionals stress that the ideal time to get vaccinated is now through October.

This window allows the body enough time, about two weeks, to build up immunity before flu cases begin to rise.

Flu symptoms often include fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

These symptoms can closely resemble those of COVI

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