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Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe infection of the nose, throat and lungs.1 Serious complications of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.2 Some people, such as older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.2,3
Anyone may get the flu if they are exposed to the virus.3 In Canada, your risk of getting the flu is higher in the late fall and winter months.3 The flu usually occurs between November and April.3 The risk is lower during the rest of the year.
The following activities may increase your chance of getting the flu:3
Some people are more likely to get flu-related complications or be hospitalized due to complications. These include:3
Some people are more likely to spread the flu to those at high risk of complications. They include:3
Symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the influenza virus and typically lasts for 7 to 10 days.4 While most people make a full recovery from the flu, others may develop serious complications including pneumonia (a lung infection) and may require hospital care.4
Flu symptoms usually include the sudden appearance of:4
Other common symptoms include:4
Some people, especially children, may also experience:4
In comparison to the flu, symptoms of the common cold are usually milder with a more gradual onset of 2 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include:4
The flu is mainly caused by 2 types of viruses, influenza A and influenza B.1
The influenza virus can be easily spread from person to person, even before symptoms start to appear.1 Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.5 An infected individual can spread it to others by:1
These actions all result in the release of tiny droplets containing the flu virus into the air.1
People can become infected if these droplets land on your:1
Infection can also occur if an individual touch any of these body parts after touching objects contaminated by infected droplets. Commonly contaminated objects include:1
Getting a flu vaccine, also known as a flu shot, is the best way to prevent the flu.6,7 You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Most people do not have reactions to the flu vaccine; severe reactions are very rare.6,7
The flu vaccine is effective because it:6
Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially for people who are at high risk of complications and those who are especially capable of spreading the flu to those at higher risk.6, 7
Mild flu symptoms can be treated with:8
Over-the-counter cough and flu medicine should not be given to children younger than 6 years old. It is only safe to do so if advised by your healthcare provider.10
Antiviral medication may be prescribed by your healthcare provider if you are at high risk for flu-related complications, or you are ill enough to require hospital care. In these instances, antiviral medications should be started as soon as possible.8 Medical advice is recommended for the onset of symptoms. For further information regarding Flu and immunization, please speak with your healthcare provider.
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