Clinics in the area seem to be filling up quickly each day.

Reports were being heard about clinics in the area not accepting any more patients half-way through the day because there were many already waiting and the wait-time would carry until the end of the business day.

Dr. Routledge with Southern Health says, at this time of the year, it's not unusual for the clinics to become busier because of an increase in respiratory virus activity.

"What I can tell you is that we've had a lot of respiratory virus activity over the last couple of months. Again, that's what we would expect for October, November, and December. We are actually, right now, just starting to see an uptick in our influenza virus activity in particular, which I would expect, it would increase over the next couple of weeks."

He notes to reduce the chances of getting a cold or virus, make sure you're washing your hands frequently, staying at home if you're sick in an effort of not infecting others, gets adequate amounts of sleep, eat well, get lots of exercise, and make sure your vaccines are up-to-date.

Dr. Routledge says everyone who wants to access the clinic services should still be able to, even in this busier season.

"Usually if you can call first thing in the morning, for most clinics, whether it's your family doctor's office, or one of the Quick Care Clinics, walk-in clinics, most days they should be able to, either that day or the next day. Obviously, if people are at risk for complications, so very young children or people who are elderly, people with chronic conditions, if you're particularly concerned, you can also go to an urgent care or emergency."

He adds there is also the Health Links phone line where a representative can walk through your symptoms and give advice.