OTTAWA (CBC) - Six flu assessment centres will open across Ottawa on Wednesday to take the burden off the city's emergency departments, Ottawa Public Health has announced.

The clinics will run seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the following community health centres:

In a news release issued Tuesday, Ottawa Public Health said while most cases of flu can be treated at home, people whose symptoms worsen quickly and those at risk of severe complications should see a family physician or go to a flu assessment centre.

People at risk of severe complications include:

Ottawa Public Health is asking residents to seek medical attention from their existing health-care provider before going to a flu assessment centre. Residents who do not have a family doctor or who cannot access their usual care provider within 48 hours should go to a flu assessment centre.