Medical experts are warning that this year’s flu season could be severe. Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health said now is the time to get your flu shot because it takes a couple of weeks for your body to build immunity to the flu virus.“Influenza makes Iowans sick every year,” said Dr. Ann Garvey, deputy state epidemiologist. “Almost everyone over 6 months should be getting vaccinated.” While it’s hard to predict what kind of flu season it will be, researchers look at flu patterns in the southern hemisphere, which they say was a severe flu season. “Particularly in Australia, that is, unfortunately, an indication that we may have a more severe season here in Iowa as well,” Garvey said. With winter just around the corner, more people will be indoors and in close contact with each other. “I live with a senior, and I also live with a toddler, and I don’t want to pass it on, you know, if I get infected I could bring it home to them,” said Anthony Damrow, of Des Moines. Damrow, as well as Julie Oswalt, just got their flu shot because their company offered it for free. “It just kind of helps keep the impact of the flu down in the office as far as absenteeism,” Oswalt said. But Kelly Callison, of Des Moines, did not get the flu shot because she doesn’t believe it’s necessary. “I don’t think you need constant medication and immunization. I think it’s a personal choice,” Callison said. Health officials say some people can still get the influenza virus even if they get the flu shot, but they say it will help minimize the symptoms and slow down the spread of the virus.