The Grey Bruce Health Unit is urging the public to get their yearly vaccination in order to avoid the illness and possible complications.
Barron says in Canada, influenza season usually runs from November to April and and up to one quarter of Canadians get the flu each year.
Public Health Nurse Mary Lynn Barron says the flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus and is worse than the common cold.
She says the flu usually starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches plus cold-like symptoms.
Children may have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea but these symptoms are uncommon in adults.
She says people with other health issues can take the flu especially hard and become seriously ill.
Barron says the flu shot is for everyone over the age of 6 months except for people who are allergic to eggs or other ingredients in the vaccine.
A flu clinic will be held in Owen Sound at the new Public Health Building at 101 17th Street East tomorrow from 10 AM until 8 PM.
There is no need to make an appointment, and the shot is free.
There are also flu clinics in Wiarton next Tuesday, Saugeen District Secondary in Port Elgin next Wednesday and Kincardine District next Thursday.
Those clinics will run from 4pm to 8pm.
