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RALEIGH – Up to this point, the flu season in North Carolina has been relatively mild. The N.C. Health Department said the number of flu-like complaints is pretty typical for this time of year.

Already this flu season, nearly 2,000 people North Carolina have gone to the doctor complaining of flu-like symptoms. However according to the state health department, few of them actually had the flu.

Yet doctors say the number of flu cases in nearby states is beginning to increase, which means flu season is on the way to North Carolina as well.

“Influenza will probably start showing up here in larger numbers in about two to three weeks,” said Area Medical Director for NextCare Urgent Care Dr. Michael Heter.

Heter said North Carolina's flu season runs through mid-to-late March, so there is still plenty of time to catch the flu. There is also plenty of time for people to become vaccinated to prevent infection.

“It's certainly not too late,” said Heter. “It typically takes about two to three weeks after getting the influenza vaccination for that to be effective to protect you from the flu. So now would be the time to do it.”

Raleigh resident Frances Ajashi has not received a flu shot this season because of how she felt after becoming vaccinated last year.

“The last time I had it, I had a headache and I had some feverish conditions, so I'm a little bit skeptical,” said Ajashi.

However doctors say the flu shot does not make people sick.

“The injection of the flu vaccine does not contain live flu virus so it's not physically possible to actually get the flu from the vaccine,” said Heter.

According to medical experts, getting a flu shot can also help lessen your symptoms if people still get sick. Experts also suggest frequent and thorough hand-washing to keep from spreading germs.

Flu shots are available at doctor offices, health clinics, and many pharmacies.