It’s that time of year again.

No, not for football (the season starts in the summer now), fall festivals (even though there are a pile of them on the calendar) or beautiful fall scenery (the reds, yellows oranges).

It’s time to think about influenza.

Yes, we know those will be unpleasant thoughts — but they’re necessary.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the flu season begins in October and can run as late as May, with cases peaking in December and February. It recommends that people get a flu vaccine no later than the end of October to ensure the highest level of immunity. (Flu shots need about two weeks to take effect.)

Most pharmacies have their “flu shots available” signs out. Most people visiting a physician right now will hear the question “Have you had your flu shot yet?”

The nasal spray vaccine also has returned, after being taken off the market for two years because it didn’t provide adequate protection.

So there are plenty of options for getting the shot — and few excuses other than an allergy to the vaccine for not doing so. (The CDC actually says that if you have no worse reaction than hives, it’s still in your best interest to deal with the itching and get the shot.)

No, the flu shot won’t give you the flu. Scientific research has debunked that claim.

No, the flu generally won’t kill you, although the risk is there for young children, elderly adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions or diseases.

It just makes you feel like you’re dying and can cause other unpleasant complications.

And no, the flu shot doesn’t guarantee metaphysically certain protection against the disease. Drug companies make their best guess as to what strains will be prevalent in a given year when formulating the vaccine. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose.

Still, as we’ve said before, it’s about the odds. Forty percent protection is preferable to zero percent.

Plus consider the recent outbreaks that got so bad entire schools and workplaces were shut down.

That kind of disruption helps no one. Do your part to prevent it.