NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - The influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, costs Americans approximately $1 billion-to-$3 billion for direct medical costs, but its toll on the economy could exceed those numbers.

About 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population will get the flu this year. Absences due to flu will really hit companies' bottom lines. CNNfn's Valerie Morris reports on how to physically and financially get through flu season. Play video (Real or Windows Media)

The flu affects anywhere from 17 million to 50 million people each year, which typically results in 114,000 hospitalizations, 36,000 deaths, 70 million missed work days, and 38 million missed school days. The peak flu season typically kicks off in November, but more than a dozen cases already have been reported this year in parts of Texas.

The indirect costs of the flu ranges from $3 billion to $12 billion, and includes lowered productivity due to missed school and work days.

School-aged children are two to three times more likely than adults to get infected and spread the virus, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable for serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.

Australia and New Zealand already have had their flu season and report that a particularly virulent strain is in store for the Northern Hemisphere. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects more than 85 million doses of flu vaccines this year, up from just 10 million doses a decade ago.

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Although the flu can strike anyone, the CDC recommends early vaccination for those who are in high risk groups. School aged children are two to three times more likely than adults to get infected and spread the virus and the elderly are particularly vulnerable for serious complications from the flu such as pneumonia.

According to the agency, both the flu and a cold are virus-induced respiratory infections. The initial symptoms are similar, but the flu can lead to a more serious illness than the common cold.

Flu symptoms include a sudden headache, dry cough, runny nose, and a sore throat and it is not uncommon to develop run a fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, the CDC says. The agency also noted that while most people feel better in a couple of days, some will experience continued fatigue and coughing for two weeks or more.  

-- CNNfn's Valerie Morris contributed to this report.