Influenza - The Flu

About the flu

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a serious respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. It spreads quickly and easily from person to person and occurs each year in the late fall and winter months.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the flu are more severe than those of the common cold and often include:

  • High fever
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur in children
How the flu spreads

Everyone is at risk of getting the flu. The virus spreads quickly and easily from an infected person to others through:

  • Coughing or sneezing (when droplets containing the flu virus are released into the air and then land on the face, mouth, and eyes of another person)
  • Touching surfaces, unwashed hands, or objects such as phones and toys that have been contaminated by the influenza virus and then touching your face, mouth or eyes

Important

You may not know that you have become infected with the flu virus. Adults infected with the flu can infect other people one day before they have symptoms and up to five days after becoming sick. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the virus for even longer.

Protect Yourself with the Flu vaccine

Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick with the flu. Since flu viruses can change every year, a flu vaccine is needed each season.

Find out where you can get vaccinated by visiting york.ca/VirusSeason

York Region provides a list of pre-approved health care agencies that can order and administer flu (influenza) vaccines at workplaces, community organizations and/or people’s homes.

Why get the flu vaccine?

  • It reduces the risk of serious flu complications
  • It's free for anyone who lives, works or attends school in Ontario
  • Does not cause the flu
  • It is still important to get vaccinated every year because the effectiveness can change depending on how well the vaccine strains match with circulating of influenza viruses and the health and age of the individual

High-risk and priority populations

The flu vaccine is especially important for individuals at high risk of developing complications from the flu. Flu vaccine will be prioritized beginning in October for the following groups:

  • Residents in congregate living settings (such as chronic care facilities, long-term care homes, retirement homes)
  • Staff and care providers in congregate living settings (such as chronic care facilities, long-term care homes, retirement homes)
  • Adults 65 years of age and older
  • All children six months to four years of age
  • Individuals six months of age and older with underlying health conditions
  • Pregnant individuals (the vaccine is safe in pregnancy)
  • People in or from First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities
  • Health care workers and first responders
  • Members of underserved communities
  • People whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A viruses (such as poultry, livestock, slaughterhouse and processing plant workers, wildlife officers/researchers, and veterinarians)
     
General population

It is recommended that people in the following groups receive their flu shot as soon as it is available to them:

  • Those that live with people at high risk of flu-related complications
  • People who provide essential community services
  • People who might spread the flu to high-risk populations and/or to infants
  • Care providers in the community
  • People who provide care to children under five years of age
  • Members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season
  • Individuals who provide services within a closed or relatively closed setting to persons at high risk (for example: crew on a ship)
When to wait before getting the flu vaccine

People with symptoms of a severe illness should wait until they feel better to get their flu shot. Do not delay vaccination for minor illness (with or without fever).

Related Resources

External Resources