GAINESVILLE - Typically - January is the peak of the flu season.  But this year - the season hasn't peaked...yet.

Dr. Kenneth Rand, an Infectious Diseases Professor at UF says there is usually an outbreak in January in Gainesville.

He says though we haven't hit that peak yet, we are not in the clear - "I was in the Charlotte airport and the cough index was pretty high so I can tell you there is flu out there. And the national figures show there have been sporadic outbreaks already across the nation and in different states."

Its out there, and its just a matter of time before North Central Florida peaks.

Dr. Rand says most people received their flu shots in August and September, but if you haven't gotten one yet - the standard vaccine injection is the best way to protect yourself.

He also suggests wearing a mask to prevent catching it from others.