After a slow start, the flu season is gathering steam.

The last flu season was particularly bad, resulting in almost 49 million reported illnesses and more than 79,000 flu-related deaths.

While these statistics might worry you, it’s impossible to predict what a new flu season will bring.

In a mild year, flu kills up to 12,000 people in the US.

In a bad year, it could be as many as 56,000.

Don’t mistake it for a stomach bug.

The flu is a respiratory viral infection that comes on quickly to cause fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle pains, and body aches.

Some symptoms may seem similar to those of a common cold but the flu should be taken seriously.

It has the potential to lead to dangerous, life-threatening complications.

To avoid the flu, keep these numbers in mind:

• 3 to 6 feet. The distance at which flu may spread from someone to you.

• 24 to 48 hours. That’s the time you may be sick without knowing it. When most of us feel symptoms, we go to bed – but the wily flu virus delays sickening us as carriers. That makes it easier to spread.

• 10 to 14 days. That’s How long it takes for the vaccine to take effect and build up antibodies.

• 60% or less. If you are vaccinated, you are 60% less likely to get sick.