So long as you don't over-exert yourself in the beggining the distance shouldn't be a problem. For me there has always been a temptation to ride fast, and a few times when I first started it lead to exhaustion. Particularly when going into a headwind, you just need to accept that it will be slower.

As other suggested, a used decent quality mountain bike is an inexpensive way to start. If you rush out now and buy a new hybrid, you may find by next year that you wish you had bought a drop bar road / cross / touring bike instead.