Stories about the flu are all over the media these days, and the news doesn’t paint a pretty picture about this year’s flu season. There is still some good news: It’s not too late to get a flu shot.

The flu vaccine is still the most important step in prevention and protection against the flu. Flu illnesses typically peak in January and February, so there’s still plenty of risk ahead that makes the vaccine worthwhile—and the sooner the better. After you get the vaccine, it takes two weeks to provide protection.

Since the vaccine doesn’t protect you against all strains, and the flu is highly contagious, you need to further protect yourself by doing things like avoiding contact with sick people and washing your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water aren’t available.

Symptoms of the flu can include fever, coughing, sort throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, as well as vomiting and diarrhea. If you are sick, stay home so you don’t infect others. And always cover your cough or sneeze to prevent spreading germs.