Officials at both Knoxville Hospital and Clinics and Marion County Public Health say that flu season is now underway. It’s an early start for flu season – Judi Van Hulzen at Marion County Public Health says that there have been 378 confirmed cases this year in Iowa, compared with only 10 at this time last year.

But Americans seem more prepared as well. The CDC says that more than a third of the nation has already received the flu vaccine this winter, which does cover this winter’s primary strain, influenza A.

Dr. Bryan Schaffer at Knoxville Hospital and Clinics says that it’s not too late to get the vaccine. He explains that it not only protects yourself but others around you as well. Other ways to prevent the spread for the flu include washing your hands, covering your cough, and avoiding exposure. It’s been eight years since the flu season began this early.