With flu season just around the corner, the flu vaccine can be the best method to combat the condition.

But, will this year's flu vaccine do a better job of protecting people against the flu than it did last year?Often times that can be difficult to predict, according to Dr. John Viteritti, DO, an emergency room physician with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield."I don't think anyone exactly knows how it's going to hold out," Viteritti said.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this season's vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.More than 76 million doses of 2015-16 flu vaccine have been distributed so far.Flu activity is low in the United States, but flu outbreaks can happen as early as this month.Lisa Johnson, Blue Mountain Health System Vice President, Public Relations & Marketing, said, "Flu season is unpredictable.""While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from year to year," she said. "The best way to protect yourself, whenever the season begins, is to get the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure if you can receive an influenza vaccination."It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in, according to the CDC, so start thinking about getting vaccinated now.Flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths every season.Denise Rader, media relations director, St. Luke's University Health Network, said the organization usually has been conducting flu shots at the senior expos."Otherwise, we recommend that folks utilize their primary care provider in order to keep their continuity of care intact, and to let people know if they don't have a primary care provider," Rader said."Or, if they do not have health insurance, they are welcome to contact St. Luke's info Link line and we'll help them procure a primary care physician, and/or make sure that they are able to get a flu shot."The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.If you do get the flu, don't go to work."A lot of people try and tough it out, and expose their coworkers to the influenza," Viteritti said. "My advice would be stay at home and rest."He said treatment is available."It's all based on a time frame; the earlier you get medication, obviously the more effective the medication is going to be," he said. "It basically decreases flu-like symptoms by a day, (although) it's case by case.Viteritti said there are certain populations that should get the influenza shot vaccine and be treated immediately upon getting the flu, such as those who are receiving chemotherapy, HIV or aids, diabetes, and lung diseases, as well as those under the age of 5.