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

Starting September 28, 2026, high-risk and priority populations can get a free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You can review who is considered high-risk from flu infections on the province’s website. The vaccines will first be distributed to hospitals, long-term care homes and other congregate living settings, and will then become available through participating health care providers, pharmacies and Public Health..

Starting October 26, 2026, free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone 6 months of age and older who lives, works or goes to school in Ontario.

Where to get a flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are available through many health care providers and participating local pharmacies. Availability may vary. Please check ahead before going.

Public Health will offer limited appointments for high-risk people who do not have a health care provider or OHIP-card. Check back soon for booking details.

Children between 6 months and 2 years old cannot get a flu vaccine at a pharmacy. They must receive their vaccine from a health care provider or through Public Health. Check back soon for Public Health appointment booking details.

In November and early December 2026, COVID-19 and flu vaccines will also be available from Public Health at Public Health Neighbourhood Bus visits and at Saturday clinics. Clinic details will be posted when available at regionofwaterloo.ca/vaccines.  