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October 4th, 2024

Middlesex-London Health Unit Updates Community on Status of Legionella Outbreak

The local outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease, declared by the Middlesex-London Health Unit in…

August 26th, 2024

Heat Warning Issued For The Region

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Heat Warning for London and Middlesex County…

August 12th, 2024

Middlesex-London Health Unit Continues Investigation Of Outbreak Of Legionnaires' Disease

Middlesex-London Health Unit is providing an update to the community on the ongoing outbreak of…

August 9th, 2024

Health Unit Confirms First Local Human Case Of West Nile Virus This Year

The Middlesex-London Health Unit is reporting the first locally-acquired human case of West Nile…

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Flu (Influenza)

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.

 

Signs and Symptoms

How does the flu spread?

Who is most at risk?

How can I protect myself?

Flu Vaccine

Cold vs. Flu

Healthcare providers

Resources


Signs and Symptoms

  • fever
  • cough
  • headache 
  • muscle aches
  • chills
  • loss of appetite
  • tiredness
  • sore throat
  • nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children)

How does the flu spread?

The flu spreads easily from person to person through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets can land on the mouths, noses, or eyes of people nearby.

You can also catch the flu by touching unwashed hands or contaminated surfaces like toys, doorknobs, or utensils, and then touching your face.

It can take 1 to 7 days to show flu symptoms after being infected. People can spread the flu before they feel sick.


 

Infographic: The Story of InfluenzaDownload Image

Who is most at risk?

Most people with the flu recover from the flu in 7 to 10 days, but some are at higher risk of serious complications like pneumonia or worsening of existing health conditions.

Those at higher risk of flu complications include:

  • Residents and staff of nursing homes, retirement homes, and other chronic care facilities.
  • Pregnant individuals.
  • Children 6 months to 4 years old.
  • Adults over 65.
  • Individuals who are from a First Nation, Inuit, or Metis community, and/or who identify as First Nation, Inuit, or Metis, and their household members.
  • Members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities.
  • People with chronic health conditions.

If you live, work, or visit high-risk individuals often, getting the flu shot is strongly recommended to protect both yourself and them.


How can I protect myself from the flu?

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. 


Flu Vaccine

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the most severe outcomes of the infection.

 Who should get the flu vaccine?

 The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

  • The vaccine is safe, even for children and pregnancy individuals
  • The vaccine is free even if you don't have an Ontario Health Card
  • It is important to get the flu vaccine each year because the vaccine is updated based trends and the latest evidence.
    • Children 6 months to under 9 years of age who have never before received a dose of flu vaccine are recommended to have two doses at least 4 weeks apart. 

When is the flu vaccine available?

The chart below outlines when individuals will be eligible to get the flu vaccine.

  • In Ontario, flu vaccines are prioritized when they first become available for certain individuals based on their risk for severe complications and spreading the infection to others. 
  • Individuals 6 months of age and older can get the flu vaccine at the same time as, or at any time before or after other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
Eligible for flu vaccine as soon as it is available:
  • Hospitalized individuals, hospital staff, and care providers
  • Long-term care home (LTCH) residents, staff and care providers
  • Residents, staff, and care providers in retirement homes and other congregate living settings
  • Health care workers
  • First responders
  • Individuals with significant exposure to birds or mammals, such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians
  • Individuals at high-risk for flu related complications or hospitalization, including:
    • People 65 years of age and over
    • All pregnant women
    • All children 6 months to 4 years of age
    • Individuals in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
    • Members of racialized and other equity deserving communities
    • Individuals 6 months of age and older with the following underlying health conditions:
      -Cardiac or pulmonary disorders
      -Diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disease
      -Cancer
      -Conditions or medication which compromise the immune system
      -Renal disease
      -Anemia or hemoglobinopathy
      -Neurologic or neurodevelopment conditions
      -Morbid obesity (body mass index of 40 or more)
      -Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) undergoing treatment with acetylsalicylic acid for long periods
Eligible for flu vaccine beginning on October 28, 2024:
  • All individuals 6 months of age and older

 

Which flu vaccine should you get?

The following flu vaccines are available for the 2024-2025 flu season. Supply of certain vaccine products may fluctuate during the season.

  • 6 months to 64 years old:
    • Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (FluLaval Tetra, Fluzone Quadrivalent, Flucelvax Quad)
  • 65 years of age and older:
    • Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (FluLaval Tetra, Fluzone Quadrivalent, Flucelvax Quad)
    • High-Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent)
    • Adjuvanted Trivalent Inactivated Vaccine (Fluad)

All 3 flu vaccine types are safe, effective and offer protection for seniors. Delaying vaccination to wait for a specific product is not recommended.

Where can you get the flu vaccine?

The following options are available to get the flu vaccine. Call ahead to the location to make sure the flu vaccine is available and see if an appointment is needed.

  • Doctor or nurse practitioner clinic
  • Pharmacy
    • Pharmacies can provide flu vaccine to all individuals 2 years of age and older, including individuals without an Ontario Health Card (OHIP).
    • Families with children under 2 can call the Health Unit at 519-663-5317 to discuss other options.

Where can you get more information on the flu vaccine?


What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

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

 
 
Date of creation: February 27, 2013
Last modified on: October 1, 2024