OKLAHOMA – While it might not look like flu season yet, doctors said now is the time to get your shot to protect against the virus.

But, sometimes, that shot comes with some side effects.

“More of a low grade fever, maybe some body aches, occasionally a little bit of a cough and a runny nose,” said Lance Watson, MD, Mercy Hospital.

Also, headache, fatigue and soreness are common side effects that can last up to three days.

Rarely, people with certain allergies can go into anaphylaxis after the flu shot.

“It’s very rare but, sometimes, you can have a very serious reaction. Actually, people that are allergic to eggs can sometimes have reactions due to how the shot is made,” he said.

People with chicken allergies should also avoid getting the shot, experts said.

However, getting the flu is not a side effect of the flu shot.

“The injectable forms are not a live virus, so you’re not actually getting the flu when you have symptoms from the injection itself,” Watson said.

Instead, doctors said there is a simple explanation for feeling under the weather after the shot.

“Your body will stimulate antibodies to fight off the flu,” he said.

But, Watson assures there have been many studies to prove it is a safe vaccination.

It’s still too early to tell how effective this year’s vaccine will be but, on average, the CDC said it cuts your risk in half.