GAYLORD, MI -- It happens every year, and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan is hoping to reduce the number of cases of flu they see.

They offering advice that could help keep you healthy.

The Health Department says they expect flu cases to peak sometime next month.

They also say if you make sure to keep yourself clean and get a flu shot, you can avoid getting sick.

Biny Andrews stopped by the make-shift clinic inside this classroom at the University Center, to get the shot he says hopefully will prevent the flu this season.  He says being a songwriter and pianist, he's around a lot of people, and he's not taking any chances..

"I got the flu before, when I didn't have the vaccination, and I got very, very sick, and I didn't want to go through that again," said Andrews.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan says it's the start of flu season, and it's not too late for you to get your shot.

"I always say disease is only an airplane ride away," said public health nurse Suzette Daly.

Suzette Daly is a nurse at the Health Department and says once the flu strikes, it can spread like wildfire.  She says with the start of flu season in Northern Michigan, the virus will probably peak sometime in February or March.

“You just start going up, up, up, and all of a sudden, you get a bunch of cases, and it's a lot of people very ill, very sick, some are hospitalized, some are not," said Daly.

And that gives you time to get the shot.

They say, it's like a winter mosquito bite, and then they're done.  I didn't feel anything when I got my shot, and the great thing is, they do tell me I probably won't get the flu this year.

"The best way to prevent getting the flu disease is by vaccination," said Daly.

“You're exposed to people all the time, and it's just no fun to get sick," said Andrews.

The Health Department says if you would like to schedule a flu vaccine appointment or learn additional information, you can call them.  The cost for the shot is $15.

If you don't want the shot, the Health Department says you can prevent the virus by washing your hands, covering your mouth, and not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Health Department Phone Number: (800)432-4121