CDC says 20 percent of Americans are infected every year

The 2014 Influenza season has remained relatively quiet throughout North Texas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC has released two main vaccinations to the public to help prevent the seasonal illness during the 2014-15 season.

According to the CDC, the first vaccination protects against three strains of the virus: A/California/7/2009 (similar to H1N1 from 2009), A/Texas/50/2012 (similar to H3N2, a 2011 Swine flu variant) and B/Massachusetts/2/2012.

The second vaccine protects against the same three viruses as the first vaccine in addition to B/Brisbane/60/2008.

While researchers cannot predict how bad a flu season will be, they can make predictions on what strains of the flu will be most prevalent during flu season.

Viruses are selected for the mass-produced vaccine based on how likely they are to cause illness among the public and whether or not there is a good vaccine virus strain available that would provide good protection during flu season.

The vaccine

A common misconception about the vaccine is that it can give one the flu. The vaccine does contain the flu virus, but it has been "inactivated" and is not infectious.

However, the vaccine can have side effects which include fever, headaches and body aches.

According to the Tarrant County Department of Public Health, vaccine supplies are readily available this year, and a shot can be obtained at just about any doctor's office or pharmacy for about $30.

The department charges $25 per influenza injection when it is administered at one of its locations. The department will also submit claims to Medicare and Medicaid if necessary.

The nearest Tarrant County Department of Public Health office is located at 6601 Watauga Road, Ste. 122, Watauga. Walk-in injection hours are Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.