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Health officials say the flu season is peaking early this year. It's not too late to get a flu shot

Officials in Hays County said they are seeing more people visit hospitals because of flu symptoms, so they want people who are feeling sick to go to walk-in clinics

AUSTIN, Texas — Doctors say this flu season could go down as the worst in a decade. The season is peaking earlier than normal – and some claims going around online are saying this year's flu vaccine isn't effective.

But local doctors said that isn't the case.

"According to the CDC, it's been about 99% effective with the flus we are actually testing," Dr. Steve Ramirez with Baylor Scott & White Health said. "The flu vaccine is actually spot on."

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His flu test came back negative. Days later, he couldn't breathe.

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Dr. Ramirez said it's still not too late to get a flu shot.

Officials in Hays County said they are seeing more people visit hospitals because of flu symptoms, so they want people who are feeling sick to go to walk-in clinics or urgent care facilities to cut down on wait-times and get the care they need faster.

WATCH: Dripping Springs man survives life-threatening case of the flu

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