TORRANCE, Calif. – A sore throat, fever and coughing can be some of the symptoms of the flu.

Each year, the Centers for Disease Control tries to formulate the best flu shot vaccine to lower the amounts of flu cases across the nation. However, this year, some doctors are finding this year’s batch to have missed the mark.

According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 13 deaths in the county have been linked to an influenza infection.

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But for the last 25 years, Maria Orozco has never received a flu shot and she says she doesn’t plan to get one this year, either.

“I never felt the need to and I also don’t want to get sick when I get it,” said Orozco.

Each person’s reaction to the flu shot can be different. But Orozco says her family hasn’t experienced any complications with the flu.

“I don’t think any of us have had it at all. Which is why my parents… at least when I was growing up, I never had to get it and now as an adult, I just haven’t gotten it,” Orozco said.

Orozco visited a CVS MinuteClinic, a service that offers health screenings, vaccinations, and other simple healthcare visits. Orozco’s visit was in good health. She came in to get a health screening and two vaccinations for work, but opted out for her flu shot.

Dr. Eric Nakkim is an emergency physician at Torrance Memorial Medical Center he says, this is one of the worst flu seasons he has seen in the last 10 years.

“Yes, you can still get the flu after getting the flu shot. But, in general, even in a year where in a better year where the match wasn’t as good as had been hoped, it still does offer significant protection,” Dr. Nakkim said.

In a press release the L.A. County Department of Public Health stated, “LA County is experiencing high levels of influenza activity with influenza B virus as the dominate strain at the moment. However, influenza A virus appears to be increasing.”

Without a guarantee, Orozco remained skeptical about getting one.

“Maybe if I get the flu, then I’ll get one,” Orozco said.

While some individuals like Orozco might not get the shot this year, doctors are hoping more people will choose to act sooner rather than later.

Dr. Nakkim says the typical flu season begins in December and can last up to April, recommending that the public take extra precautions to cover coughs, wash their hands, and disinfect common surfaces.