OKEMOS - This year is said to be one of the worst flu outbreaks in decades.

According to RediCare Okemos Physician Assistant, Hollie Town, the reason is because this flu strain is strong and isn't covered by the flu shot very well.

"Reports are that is has been so bad and they're calling the most common strain out there is the H3N2," she said.

Locally, she said there haven't been many positive flus.

"Honestly, we have not seen a ton of it here. I mean we're getting maybe five or six positive flus a day," Town said.

She also said it hasn't hit hard locally yet, so she is expected to see more positive flus in the coming weeks.

"I don't think it's quite hit in this area yet, so I think we're going to see an increase," Town said.

The best way to help prevent the flu is still to get the flu shot.

"If you consider that we haven't even gotten into the thick of flu season yet, I think it's still worth it," Town said.

Town said the extremes are more likely to get the flu because their immune systems aren't as good.

"The very very young, the very very elderly and then those that have other chronic illnesses," she said.

If you start to feel sick, it is recommended you stay home to prevent infecting others.

"If you start to get those symptoms of sore throat, stuffy nose, fever, chills, body aches...stay home," she said.