Influenza FAQs

What is influenza (the flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches and pain, fatigue, sore throat and cough.

How is the flu virus spread?

The flu virus is spread when an infected person coughes or sneezes in the vicinity of others. It can also be spread when someone touches articles soiled with mucus from a sick person's nose or throat. Infected people are contagious about one day before their symptoms start, and remain contagious until three to five days afterwards.

How dangerous is the flu?

Most people infected with the flu recover in about seven days. However, the flu can weaken the body's ability to fight off other serious infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.

This is especially dangerous if you are elderly, or have chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or conditions that suppress the immune system.

It is estimated that between 500 and 1500 deaths occur each year in Canada due to influenza or its complications. Most of these deaths are among seniors and those with medical conditions that put them at high risk for complications from the flu.

Who is at high risk for complications from influenza?

The following groups are considered at high risk and are eligible for publicly funded flu vaccine:

• Adults and children with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis, and asthma) severe enough to require regular medical follow-up or hospital care.
• People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities.
• Persons 65 years of age and older.
• Adults and children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases, cancer, HIV infection, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression, renal disease, anemia, and hemoglobinopathy.
• Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid.
• Healthy infants aged 6 months – 23 months.

People with various other medical conditions may also be considered at high risk from complications from the flu. Your doctor may provide further information in this area.

I am in one of the eligible groups identified for publicly funded flu vaccine. Where can I go to get it?

• Infants aged 6 – 23 months and seniors age 65 years and older can get publicly funded flu vaccine from the VON this year or their family doctor
• Other eligible recipients can get publicly funded flu vaccine from their family doctor

I am not eligible for publicly funded flu vaccine but I would like to be immunized against influenza. Where can I go to get it?

• Some physicians and private health care providers may provide a flu vaccine for a fee. For further information, call your family doctor.

How can the flu be prevented?

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated against it, at least two weeks before the beginning of flu season. Good hygienic practices such as frequent hand washing reduce the risk of infection. Other ways to protect yourself from the flu include keeping your hands away from your eyes and nose, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and staying away from anyone who has the flu.

What to do when you get the flu?

Drink plenty of fluids, get lots of rest and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the fever and pain. Avoid contact with others (e.g. stay home from work or school) to reduce the spread of the disease. Anti-viral medications, available by prescription, can be helpful in some cases.