It's been a mild flu season in Middle Tennessee. More than 146 million flu shots have already been distributed in the United States.
Medical professionals at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center said it appeared that the vaccine hit the nail on the head.
Tharpe said, "It's still important to get the flu shot even though it's been a mild season so far. They're expecting it to pick up."
Tharpe is a Physician's Assistant. He said this season could be record breaking for lack of flu cases.
Tharpe said, "I've only seen one positive flu so far."
Last February, clinics were treating patients left and right. Tharpe said, "Last season it was pretty much nonstop, lots of patients came in with the flu. This year it's been kinda crazy because I expected a lot but it's just been nothing."
According to the Center for Disease Control, a strong flu strain could still hit between February and May.
Tharpe said, "It also helps protect the people around you. You might be around those people that are compromised that are older that have a lot of disease and what not, so you're not just protecting yourself but also protecting them as well."
It takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to start working. For more information, visit the CDC's website.
