WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Even though the flu season is still a few months out, health experts are starting the push of encouraging people to get their vaccinations this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say hospitalizations due to the flu could put a strain on systems across the country that are already working to keep up with COVID-19 patients.

The CDC estimates there were between 410,000 and 740,000 flu hospitalizations last season.

“For flu we do have a way of slowing it down, and that’s with a flu shot. So when you have a time of the year when both viruses might be out and about, if you can decrease the impact from the one you can actually help with by using the shot, it’s worth doing," Dr. Christopher Ohl of Wake Forest Baptist Health says.

Preparation is underway to provide the necessary vaccines, even though it's recommended people don't get their shot until September or October.

Manufacturers of the vaccines says they're producing around 23 million more doses than usual.

Some flu symptoms are similar to those for COVID-19, and you'll have to get a test for both during the season and wait for the results. That time varies around the country and could impact work and school life.

Even though distancing measures have decreased some routine medical measures, like immunizations, Ohl says there could be positives.

“Will flu be less of a problem if everybody’s masking and washing their hands and personally distancing? Yeah it probably will be less of a problem,” Ohl says.