(HealthDay News) — Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and death, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An annual seasonal flu shot is the best way to protect against the disease.

The CDC offers these facts on the seasonal flu vaccine:

• Seasonal flu vaccine protects against the type of flu that’s predicted to be most common.
• Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine is recommended.
• Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine, with few exceptions.
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine should not be given the shot.
• The vaccine takes about two weeks to begin working.
• It is possible, although less likely, to get the flu despite receiving the vaccine.

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