Jarrod Bagatell, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Jarrod Bagatell, MD (photo by Jim Howe) Getting vaccinated against influenza this late in the season could still be beneficial, says Getting vaccinated against influenza this late in the season could still be beneficial, says Jarrod Bagatell, MD Jarrod Bagatell, MD, director of employee and student health at Upstate Medical University. At the end of January, influenza in Central New York was considered widespread, he says. Flu symptoms can resemble those of a common cold -- aches, chills and fever, along with a cough and headache -- but typically come on more suddenly and are much more severe. Possible complications from the flu -- including pneumonia, sepsis and dehydration -- can be deadly, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends almost everyone older than 6 months should be vaccinated annually., director of employee and student health at Upstate Medical University. At the end of January, influenza in Central New York was considered widespread, he says. Flu symptoms can resemble those of a common cold -- aches, chills and fever, along with a cough and headache -- but typically come on more suddenly and are much more severe. Possible complications from the flu -- including pneumonia, sepsis and dehydration -- can be deadly, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends almost everyone older than 6 months should be vaccinated annually.