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 10 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
Anyone aged six months and older who works, lives or goes to school in Ontario is eligible to receive the flu vaccine.
Where to get the flu shot:
- Health care providers
- Pharmacies (must have a health card and be five years of age or older)
- Walk-in clinics
Additional Resources
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