Augusta Health is not only trying to keep employees healthy but also its families.

On Wednesday, they gave free flu shots for family members.

Augusta Health Infection and Control Nurse Carolyn Palmer said this year the turnout has been higher than in the past.

She said people are noticing the flu season is underway already.

It usually starts in October, but this year started in September.

According to Palmer she said up to 100 patients have been diagnosed with influenza.

Ten of those have been admitted to the hospital.

She said some symptoms are high fever, body aches and being lethargic.

"Some people wait until November or December to get their flu vaccine because we typically don't see it until then and we strongly encourage people to get their flu vaccine, practice good hand hygiene, good respiratory etiquette and try to keep themselves healthy," Palmer said.

She said at Augusta Health, they still have tests for the flu.

But if you go somewhere that doesn't have a test, the Center for Disease and Control recommends health professionals to give patients treatment for flu, if they have the symptoms.

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