Sneezing, sniffling, coughing, runny nose, and high fever: All possible signs that you could be coming down with the flu.

With family members gearing up to gather for the holidays, perhaps with a new baby in the mix, now is the time, if you're medically able, to protect yourself and others from the virus.

Erie County Health Commissioner Doctor Gale Burstein says Erie County has not seen a lot of flu so far this season, but there are some cases of Influenza A and B.

While there are not an exact number of cases, data shows the numbers to be low and nowhere near peak. 

She says other parts of the country, namely the south, have been hit hard by the flu earlier than usual. 

Despite the strains, she says it's still not too late to get a flu shot, as there is still an ample supply of the vaccine.

Burstein says the vaccine protects against two strains of A and two strains of B. And while that vaccination is a main line of defense, she says, as simple as it sounds, it's equally important to wash your hands whenever possible.

"You just don't know where people have been. You don't what counter tops they've touched, or doorknobs. And so, or shaking your hands. A lot of people are going to congregate in small closed areas to celebrate the holidays or whatever they have to do even like shopping. You know going to shopping malls," said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Health Commissioner.

Burstein says those with the flu can expect it to last about seven to ten days.

As for where you can get the flu shot, people can reach out to your local pharmacies and health care providers.

From Catholic Health, the Medical Director of Infection Prevention & Control tells Spectrum News  there were 11 cases of Influenza A, December 1st through the 7th, compared to five that week last year. 22 cases of Influenza B, compared to only two the same week last year. As for RSV, 11 cases December 1st through the 7th, compared to zero, the same week last year.

To find a flu shot provider near you, visit this link.