The flu season is upon us.
Ottawa Public Health reports 115 confirmed cases of Influenza A so far this winter.
The city's chief medical officer, Doctor Isra Levy, told CFRA's Morning Rush that the number's aren't unusual.
"We usually see the flu starting to rise in the emergency rooms and the walk-in clinics getting really busy, in the last week of December and the first couple of weeks in January," Levy said.
"Whether or not people getting together for the festivities over the holidays contribute to that - it probably does."
The number reported so far this year is far above the 21 to this point last year, but Levy noted that last winter arrived very late.
Ottawa Public Health is working to contain flu outbreaks in at least six long-term care facilities.
This year's strain of flu is particularly hard on older people and those with chronic medical problems.
Levy added it's certainly not too late to get a flu shot - they're still available at pharmacies and many doctors' offices.