Raleigh, N.C. — Flu season is here, but the worst of it may be yet to come, and there is still time to protect yourself with a shot.

Doctors recommend people get influenza A vaccinations to protect themselves against the flu no matter how bad or mild any flu season might be. The peak of this year’s season is almost upon us, but it's still not too late to get protection.

Protection is always a good idea. About 36,000 people in the United States die from the virus every year.

The month of January often gives doctors a good idea of how bad the flu season will be.

"I would say so far, this flu season, we've had a few little spikes, but overall, it's been slow so far. Of course, that's to be expected as the peak doesn't happen. on average, until February," said Dr. David Damsker, community health director for the Wake County Health Department.

February is around the corner, but far enough around that corner that Damsker said it's not too late to get the flu shot.

"It takes at least a week, but usually closer to two weeks for you to form antibodies to prevent yourself from getting the flu," he said.

What’s more, since the flu season can run into May, Damsker says it's never too late to get vaccinated.

The cost of flu shots at the Wake County Health Department have been reduced to $15.