MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Each year on average, between five and 20 percent of the U.S population will get the flu.

And out of that percent, nearly 200,000 will be hospitalized from flu complications — 3,000 to 50,000 will die from flu-related causes.

“The flu usually comes very fast and it’s very hard,” said Russell Thompson, MD. “Temperatures go to 103 to 104, achiness, they all jump, headaches are usually a strong factor, any sore throats, coughs, any of that nature.”

So to combat against the seasonal virus, Thompson recommends that residents take proactive caution to prevent sickness.

“The main thing is to cover your nose and mouth when you cough and wash your hands frequently,” he said. However Thompson added that the most effective way to control influenza was by getting the flu shot.

Flu shots are not only available in mostly all nearby clinics and hospitals but also in drug stores such as Rite Aid and CVS.

But due to a limited supply, if residents wait too long, they might just be out of luck.

“There’s only so many manufactures in this country and they control distribution and so you might wait until December sand there aren’t any flu vaccine available,” Thompson said.

“Get the flu shot and if you’re sick, stay home, call your doctor and the flu has some treatment so call early.”