On Wednesday's edition of Lubbock's First News, Dr. Raymond Strikas, senior adviser for the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, talked with Chad and Rex about the importance of getting flu shots.

Strikas said that flu shots are especially important for kids, seniors and those with per-existing medical conditions, since they are more susceptible to the flu. He also explains that since your immunity to the flu virus tends to wear down after a year, it's also important to get the shot every year. Strikas said that you cannot actually get the flu from the flu shot, and any side effects you may receive for the immunization (sore arm, slight sniffles, etc.) is nothing compared to getting the actual flu.

The CDC expects the flu virus to peak around January or February, and there are an estimated 160 million doses available in the U.S. You can receive the flu shot from the City of Lubbock Health Department or at various pharmacies around Lubbock.

More From News/Talk 95.1 & 790 KFYO