Although early reports on this winter’s flu vaccine talked of a possible shortage, there will be enough shots to go around this winter season, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a recent conference call with drug makers, CDC, FDA, and drug company representatives downplayed earlier signals that manufacturing problems might create shortages. Instead, they forecast that there would be enough flu vaccine to go around, but noted that individuals who are at risk will be vaccinated first. Individuals who are healthy and under 65 will be asked to wait until December for their inoculation.

According to CDC, by the end of October 27 million doses will have been distributed to healthcare providers. By November, another 30 million are to be shipped around the country. At least another nine million doses will be available late December. Standard priorities for deciding who receives an inoculation first will prevail: those at greatest risk for complications from influenza, according to the CDC, include people over age 65, adults and children with chronic lung or heart disease, and those with other chronic medical conditions including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, pregnant women and children or teen-agers getting long-term aspirin therapy. Caretakers and health care workers who are routinely exposed to others who are ill should also be vaccinated.

Consumer vigilance is important. "This year, more than ever before, consumers need to be alert, assertive, and resourceful in making sure they get immunized," William Schaffner, MD, of Vanderbilt University Medical Center noted to the CDC panel. In 14 of the last 18 years, flu cases peaked between January and March. It takes about two weeks to build up immunity once a person gets a shot. Last year, 74 million flu vaccine inoculations were dispensed, about the same number of doses needed this season.

Formally, the flu is known as "Influenza" and is an acute respiratory infection that is caused by a variety of viruses. Generally, the flu threatens our health during winter months, affecting large segments of the population. The best defense against the flu is through vaccination. When a flu outbreak hits a community, the number of cases usually peaks in about three weeks and subsides after another three to four weeks.

How do you decide if those aches and pains are the flu?

If your chest hurts or you’re dehydrated, feverish, can’t stop blowing your nose, and your eyes are weepy, you could be experiencing the winter flu or at least more than a cold. Although symptoms for a cold, flu, or pneumonia are similar, there are typical differences that may help patients identify what they have. For example, a cold often starts with a sore throat, runny nose, and Lots of sneezing. Influenza patients may have the same symptoms, but may also experience high temperatures. Generally, influenza develops rapidly.

Like a cold, pneumonia can resemble influenza, only worse. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes and tiny air sacs in the lungs, a condition that can follow a cold or the flu. People with pneumonia feel their symptoms quickly worsen. Those with viral pneumonia often have a dry, hacking cough with headache, fever, muscle pain, and fatigue. Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may include high fever and a cough that produces thick sputum.

One new diagnostic test recently approved by the FDA makes identifying the flu easier. The simple test can identify in a doctor’s office if patients have influenza. The test relies on a nasal swab and takes about 10 minutes. After determining if a patient has the flu or some other bacterial agent making him sick, a proper course of treatment can be established.

If an individual is able to catch his or her symptoms early, several antiviral drugs may serve as effective treatment. There are two newly approved drugs with the brand names Relenza and Tamiflu that may help reduce the severity and recovery period.

Be sure to check with your regular doctor to determine if you need the flu early or if you can wait for your inoculation.