This year the flu is hitting hard, and 20 people under the age of 18 have died from this epidemic, according to decodedscience.com.

Unlike recent years, this outbreak is hitting so hard partly because the flu season started so early this year. Cbslocal.com said the state of Missouri has seen more than 13,000 cases this winter.

The virus circulating is being called H3N2, a subtype of influenza A.

Many states, including Missouri, are reporting severe outbreaks of the flu epidemic. States like New York have gone into a state of emergency, allowing not only certified nurses, but local pharmacies to give flu shots to adults and children as young as six months old.

Amy Wehr is the Supervisor of Health and Wellness for the Rockwood School District.Wehr said the District is taking its usual precautionary measures by offering flu shots to staff, students and members of the community during September and November.

Wehr advises everyone to, “Wash your hands, get a flu shot, wash your hands, practice respiratory etiquette, wash your hands, avoid people who look like or say that they are ill, wash your hands, and stay home if you are ill.”

The flu circulates more effectively in school since it is an airborne virus. Because there are so many people in one place, students are more likely to get the flu.

This can be prevented by washing your hands, since the virus enters when a person touches their face, through openings like someone’s mouth or nose. If a person’s hands are clean, the virus won’t be able to enter as easily.

Wehr explains how the flu vaccine works, “Basically, a ‘dead’ or very weak version of the virus is contained in the vaccine. Once your body’s immune system recognizes there’s a foreign invader (the virus in an altered state) it responds by creating antibodies, or weapons to attack that foreigner. After that process occurs (usually within about 10-14 days after receiving the vaccine), if you are exposed to the ‘real’ influenza virus, your body quickly recognizes it and already has the antibodies circulating that will help fight off the virus”.

Many people who have gotten a flu shot are reporting flu like symptoms. Wehr said even with a flu shot it is possible to get a less serious version of the flu, and that is the virus that’s circulating right now.

If someone gets the flu, the most important thing they can do to get better is go to a doctor. A Pediatrician or a local urgent care or hospital can provide solutions to get rid of the flu as quickly and safely as possible.