For most of us, getting sick is just an inconvenience, but as health minister David Wilson reminds us, it can be more serious for the very young, the very old and those with diseases.

“For many Nova Scotians, the influenza virus can cause more serious illness,” he explains. “It sends thousands of Nova Scotians to doctors’ offices and emergency departments every year.”

He says that’s why it’s important we all get the shot, so we don’t spread the flu to those at high risk.

“Our records show that last year 35 per cent of Nova Scotians got the flu shot and it would be great to see those numbers increase this year,” says Wilson.

Nova Scotia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Frank Atherton says it’s also important for health care workers so they don’t bring sickness into the workplace.

“It’s really important that if we have a cold, or if people are coughing or sneezing, you catch it, you bin it and you wash your hands,” he says.

The shot is free, so all you need to do is find the time to get it.