RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Fall means pumpkin spice, corn mazes, and, unfortunately, some coughs and headaches. The end of summer means the beginning of flu season. Health professionals technically consider the beginning of October as the beginning of the flu season, so we're right in that crucial period where Virginians still have time to protect themselves. Virginia is heading into this flu season with relatively "minimal" flu activity, so experts like Doctor Melissa Viray with the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts told 8News that now is the time to make efforts to keep it that way. "This is exactly the time that we typically start to see colds, flu, covid, RSV, all of those upper respiratory viruses," Dr. Viray said. One might remember cases of COVID-19 spiked a few weeks back. Experts want people to do everything they can to prevent surges of any respiratory illnesses this fall. "The best strategies are commonsense things like really good hand hygiene, not touching your face," Dr. Viray said. "Right now is the perfect time for individuals to consider getting both of those vaccines, both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines." According to data from the Virginia Department of Health, there were just short of 32,000 reported flu cases last season and a total of 117 outbreaks investigated. It's too early to tell how fierce this season will be, but Dr. Viray reminded the community to carry lessons learned from the pandemic into every new flu season. "We don't have to wear a mask everywhere," Dr. Viray began. "We don't have to stay away from everyone everywhere, but what we learned are things like, well, yes, vaccination -- that's important, but also when people are sick and they stay home when they're sick, they're less likely to transmit it to others." Flu season comes and goes every year, but Dr. Viray said prevention efforts aren't just about protecting oneself. They can save the lives of the most vulnerable — babies, seniors and the immunocompromised. "Even though most people get sick and they get better and they feel fine, some people get severely ill," Dr. Viray said. "Some people end up in the hospital; some people end up on ventilators and, you know... for a preventable disease, that is tragic." The Virginia Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at clinics across Central Virginia. To find a location near you visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/richmond-city/immunization-program/.