With influenza season fast approaching, now is the time to get the annual flu shot.

VFW Magazine talked to Dr. Todd Fristo at Saint Luke's Primary Care-Independence.

"It is important to get the flu shot to reduce risk of serious infection, serious illness, and risk of hospitalization," Fristo said. "This is especially important in higher risk patients with diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or underlying immune deficiency. The shot reduces risk of death as well. From a broader perspective, the more people that obtain the flu shot reduces the risk to the overall population."

Read the full VFW Magazine article: Flu Shots May Prevent Severe Illness