Doctors urging people to get vaccinated for whooping cough as cases rise around the United States.  

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time to do so.

According to the CDC, so far this season, there have been over 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths from the flu and that number continues to climb. Infectious disease specialists say the southern hemisphere is often a predictor of what kind of flu season we will have here in the United States, and so far it's been pretty active. Younger people are also being impacted more than usual. Flu symptoms can vary widely, including everything from fever, cough, sore through, runny nose, to headaches, body aches, and fatigue.

Most people will usually feel better on their own within a week, but some may develop complications that could lead to hospitalization or even death. Over-the-counter medications and prescription antiviral drugs are available to help with treatment. However, the best defense in fighting the flu is getting vaccinated.