The holidays are known for spending time with family, but that can sometimes come with sickness.

Genevieve Brauning is a family doctor at Novant and said the tight corridors where families meet can spur illness.

She said a lot of people recently have come in with stomach bugs, coughs and the flu.

Brauning said more people are likely to get the flu this year because the vaccine is less effective.

This year's shot is only expected to work about 10 percent of the time.

In previous years the average effective rate was around 42 percent.

Despite the odds Brauning said people should still get the shot.

"You may still get the flu but you're less likely to be hospitalized or die from the flu if you have some cross coverage. So there is some benefit there," said Novant Dr. Genevieve Brauning.

If you think you're getting sick, Brauning said there are some studies that show some vitamins and Zinc can keep you healthy.

Overall, she said the best thing to do is sleep and drink fluids.