Flu

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 vaccine 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 vaccine

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 availability

Free flu shots will be available in fall of 2026 for everyone 6 months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario.

Typically, starting in late September, high-risk and priority populations may get their flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine as supply becomes available in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other congregate care settings, followed by primary health care providers and participating pharmacies.

Availability may vary. Call ahead to ensure your health care provider has supply before going.