There’s been a particularly large outbreak of the flu in many parts of the country, and as a result we’re starting to see shortages of the flu vaccine. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet you might want to get moving.

How do you know when it’s a cold or the flu and what’s the difference?

Although a cold and a flu, or influenza, affect our respiratory system, they are different from one another. The biggest difference is that most colds are usually a lot milder than flu, although some flu viruses have been known to cause mild illnesses.

This chart gives a quick over view along with some tips to alleviate your symptoms.

Although there is no hard and fast evidence, chicken soup seems to be the best remedy!

The CDC is strongly recommending the flu vaccinethis year.

For the immune-compromised, the elderly, children and pregnant women, it is the best way to be protected during flu season.

Last flu season, about 130.9 million Americans, or 43 percent of the U.S. population, received a flu shot. That’s about 8 million more than the previous season, said Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While researchers can’t predict exactly what this flu season will hold, “We can say with certainly that the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community is to get a flu shot,” Frieden said at a NFID news conference today.

“For most people, the flu makes them sick for a few days, but for others — especially children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions — it can be life-threatening,” Frieden said.