Health experts warn dry winter weather brings flu season with it.

Even though winters are milder and arrive later in the Southwest, they warn that the flu vaccinations need a two week head start to let the body build up its immunity.

"This year's vaccine is updated and expected to be more effective than last year's version," said Jessica Rigler with the Arizona Department of Health Services.

For the 2018-19 flu cycle, Rigler said patients will have a couple of options to guard against the flu.

"The tri-valent vaccine will protect you against three strains of the flu and two of the components of that vaccine have been updated since last year," she said. "There's also a quadra-valent vaccine that protects against four strains of the flu."

Unlike last year, Rigler said doctors' offices should also be offering a nasal spray option. Although, it carries a live flu virus and is not recommended for people with compromised immune systems.