As the end to 2014 approaches, flu season has made its way into our holiday season.

The Florida Department of Health has reportedly alerted the public that the flu season is coming much earlier this year, according to the media outlet The Westside Story.

The state department of health has reportedly indicated that children have already begun to get sick from the flu and that adults will soon follow suit.

“Within the last week, there has been an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seeking care at emergency departments for influenza or influenza like illnesses, and the level is similar to what we see at the height of influenza season,” the health ministry warned.

The early arrival of the 2014 flu season calls for the public to make sure to get the vaccination to prevent illness.

“Flu season is here and it’s only going to get worse for the next four to six weeks,” stated Dr. Jeff Duchin, chief of communicable disease, epidemiology and immunizations for Public Health — Seattle & King County.

Most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that this year’s flu shots and nasal sprays are a good match for only about a third of dominant H3N2 viruses circulating in the U.S. so far, according to The Seattle Times. The other two-thirds reportedly “drifted” and the vaccine may not protect as well against them, according to officials.

“Some protection is better than no protection,” stated Dr. Jeff Duchin.

Those who are at high risk for flu complications — people older than 65, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions — are reportedly advised to seek an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza at the first sign of illness.