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.

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?
• Which flu vaccine should you get?
• Where can you get the flu vaccine?
• Where can you find more information on the flu vaccine? 

 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. 

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?

• Ministry of Health (Ontario)
• The flu
• Flu vaccine for kids and during pregnancy
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Flu (Influenza): Get your flu shot
• Call the Health Unit to speak with a Public Health Nurse on our Vaccine Preventable Disease Team - 519-663-5317

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.