The flu is landing more people in intensive care that could result in a higher number of flu-related deaths in Quebec this year compared to previous flu seasons.
"The number of deaths so far seems to be tracking on a route that may take us to a higher number that we've seen in the past," said CJAD medical expert Dr.Mitch Shulman.
"We're tracking very high numbers right now and it's very worriesome and it's very scary."
About 300 Quebecers die of flu-related complications every year.
Shulman said he's seeing an increase in flu-related cases ending up in intensive care with some patients being hooked up to ventilators.
"We're seeing a large number of people with underlying medical problems," said Shulman in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
"This has got to be one of the worse flu seasons many of us have seen in a very, very long time."
The Journal de Montreal reports that Sacré Coeur Hospital has been dealing with four such cases recently.
Every flu season, public health officials recommend seniors, children, pregnant women and people with breathing problems get flu shots.
"Those do appear to be the groups that are having the toughest time with this virus this season," said Shulman.
Besides getting vaccinations, there are common sense measures you can take such as washing your hands very often and if you're sick, staying home "until your fever's been gone for 24 hours off medication," said Shulman.
"You may inadvertantly get someone sick who cannot tolerate the flu virus as well as you might be able to and put their lives at risk."