KMBC: Doctors urge people to get flu shots now for the 2019-2020 flu season

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that this year's flu season could be severe. There are a lot of variables that make the flu season tough to predict. One indicator is what is happening in Australia. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, Australia's flu season started and peaked early and they are wrapping up one of the worst seasons in history.

Doctors are urging people to get their flu shot now, or at least before the end of October, keeping in mind that it takes about 2 weeks to be effective. 

Saint Luke's Family Physician, Dr. Todd Fristo, talked with KMBC's Kelly Eckerman about this upcoming flu season. He says anyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot to help prevent the spread of the illness. Getting the vaccination can help protect babies, the elderly, and anyone with an underlying health condition from contracting the virus and experiencing the devastating affects influenza can have on those in these populations.  

"There's a lot of data out there that even if you would, unfortunately, contract influenza and you had the flu shot, the illness isn't quite as severe. So you do get over it a little quicker, less time off work and less chance of exposing other people," Fristo said.

Watch KMBC story below.