Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that affect the nose, throat and lungs. Flu season, the peak time for influenza, is November through April each year. The flu shot is your best defence to protect yourself and your family against the flu.
How do you get the flu?
The flu is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or by touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus.
To protect yourself from the flu you can:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and running water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Frequently clean and disinfect common surfaces and items
- Get your flu shot
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start one to four days after being exposed to the virus. Most people will recover in seven to ten days. Individuals in high-risk groups could experience more severe complications.
You may have the flu if you have:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Extreme weakness and tiredness
Influenza is often confused with the common cold. Read Flu Facts to compare your symptoms.
If you think you have the flu, you should:
- Stay home until your symptoms begin to go away; get plenty of rest
- Cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Do not visit people in hospital or long-term care facilities
- See your health care provider if:
- You do not start to feel better after a few days
- Your symptoms get worse
- You are in a high-risk group and develop flu symptoms
Complications
Flu-related complications can affect anyone but they are more common for those in a high risk group. This includes:
- Older adults (people 65+ years)
- Children under five years old
- Pregnant women
- People with underlying health conditions
Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, which is a serious illness. It is estimated that flu causes approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.
Flu vaccine
The flu shot is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick with influenza and spreading it to others. In elderly people, the vaccine can prevent pneumonia, hospitalization and death. It is especially important to get your flu shot this season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Protection against influenza will prevent additional burden on our health care system, protect us and those most vulnerable in our families and community.
The vaccine is free and available to anyone six months of age and older in Ontario.
The flu vaccine is available late October every season in our community.
Where to get the flu shot:
- Health care providers
- Pharmacies
- Walk-in clinics
Important note:
- In addition to local health care providers, pharmacies will also have high-dose flu vaccine this season for individuals 65 years and older, free of charge
- Pharmacies can only vaccinate children five years of age and older
- Pharmacies will provide the flu vaccine if you do not have a health card, free of charge
- Flumist nasal spray is only available for private purchase; ask your doctor for information
Public Health Flu Clinics
Public Health flu clinics are done for the season. Alternate places in the community to get the flu vaccine (including a second dose if needed) are:
- Family doctors
- Walk-in clinics
- Pharmacies (must be five years of age and older)
For any questions about the flu vaccine, call 519-575-4400 (TTY 519-575-4608).
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