The flu (also known as influenza) is a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by the influenza A and B viruses and while certain people are more at risk, it can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. The flu is one of the leading causes of death in Canada each year. Below you will find more information about the flu and how to protect yourself and your family.
Who can get the vaccine
The flu vaccine is free and is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Before getting the flu vaccine
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Getting the flu vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic
The flu vaccine will not protect you from COVID-19 or increase your risk of COVID-19 illness. Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu and it may be hard to tell the difference. Getting the flu vaccine may help lessen the strain on the health care system during a busy time.
Do not leave your home to get the flu vaccine if you are not feeling well. Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to determine next steps.
Flu vaccine for seniors
Adults age 65 years and older are at high risk of flu complications. Adults in this age group have the option to get one of three vaccines:
These vaccines will be available at pharmacies, primary care providers offices and walk-in clinics, as supply allows.
Please note: A high dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is preferred for those over 65 years of age. However, please remember that delaying influenza vaccination to wait for a specific product is not recommended. It is very important that seniors receive their seasonal influenza vaccine.
Do not delay getting a flu vaccine to wait for a certain type. The most important thing is for you to get protected with whatever flu vaccine is available.
Flu vaccine for individuals without an Ontario Health Card
People with the flu can have mild to severe symptoms, including:
The flu spreads easily from infected people to others through droplets made when coughing, sneezing and talking. These droplets can then land in the mouths, noses or eyes of others nearby.
It can also be spread by touching unwashed hands, contaminated surfaces such as toys, doorknobs and eating utensils and then touching your own mouth, nose or eyes.
It can take a day or even a week to develop the flu after being infected with the virus. People with the flu can spread it to others even before they start to feel sick.
Most people who get the flu will recover in a week to 10 days, but some people are at higher risk of severe and life threatening complications like pneumonia and worsening of medical conditions they already have.
People who have a higher risk to complications from the flu and needing to go to the hospital include:
If you are in close contact with or frequently work with or visit high-risk individuals, it is also strongly recommended you receive the flu shot to protect yourself, and those at high-risk.
Healthy habits can protect you and your family from getting the flu and spreading it at home, work and school. To stay healthy and prevent the spread of the flu, follow these easy tips:
1. Get the flu shot
The flu vaccine is your best defense against getting the virus and spreading it to others. The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
2. Wash your hands
Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Hands should be cleaned after handling tissues, blowing your nose, shaking hands, touching objects around you and before preparing and eating food.
3. Stay home if you feel sick
Employees should check with their employer for return to work procedures and parents should check with their child's school/child care centre.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze
Cough or sneeze into a tissue and throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Always clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
5. Keep your distance
Avoid shaking hands and close contact with people who are sick.
Symptoms of the common cold and the flu are often very similar. However, colds do not generally result in serious health problems such as pneumonia or bacterial infections.
Please note: Children may also experience croup, ear infections, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea when they have the flu. These symptoms are not common in adults.
|
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
|
Fever |
Rare |
Usual; high fever (102 ° F/39 ° C - 104 ° F, 40 ° C), sudden onset, lasts 3 to 4 days. |
|
Headache |
Rare |
Usual; can be severe |
|
Muscle aches and pains |
Sometimes, generally mild |
Usual; often severe |
|
Tiredness and weakness |
Sometimes, generally mild |
Usual; severe, may last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
|
Extreme tiredness |
Unusual |
Usual; early onset, can be severe |
|
Runny, stuffy nose |
Common |
Common |
|
Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Sore throat |
Common |
Common |
|
Chest discomfort, coughing |
Sometimes, mild to moderate |
Usual, can become severe. |
|
Complications |
Can lead to sinus congestion or infection, and ear aches.* |
Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, and become life-threatening. Can worsen a chronic condition. |
|
Prevention |
Frequent hand washing |
Annual immunization and frequent hand washing |
If you have questions about the flu and would like to speak to a Public Health Nurse, please call 519-663-5317.
