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Influenza, often called the ‘flu’, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by an influenza virus.
A person with influenza is also at risk of other infections. These include viral or bacterial pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, very young children, and people who have lung or heart diseases, certain chronic health problems, or weakened immune systems.
In Canada, it is estimated that up to 7,000 people die from influenza and its complications every year.
You can reduce the risk of catching influenza, or spreading it to others, by washing your hands regularly, eating well and exercising, and getting the influenza vaccine.
Influenza vaccine, also known as a flu shot, can help prevent you from getting sick with influenza or from spreading it to others. In British Columbia, the vaccine is available in October or early November. It is best to try to get the influenza vaccine by the end of November to allow your body enough time – about two weeks – to build immunity before the influenza season starts. However, the vaccine can offer protection if given at any time during the season.
Influenza spreads easily from person to person through breathing, coughing and sneezing. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes on another person or on an object, and then touches his or her own mouth or nose before washing his or her hands.
An adult can spread the virus from about one day before to five days after symptoms start. Children can spread the virus up to 21 days after symptoms start.
Influenza symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, extreme tiredness, and cough. Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, those due to the influenza virus tend to be worse.
Symptoms can begin about one to four days, or an average of two days, after a person is first exposed to the influenza virus. Fever and other symptoms can usually last 7 to 10 days, with the cough and weakness lasting up to two more weeks.
If you do get sick with influenza or the flu, home treatment can help to ease symptoms. Home treatment may include:
If you do not start to feel better in a few days or your symptoms get worse, you should see a doctor. Call a doctor if you get sick and you have the following health concerns:
The following table can help you determine whether you have influenza or a cold.
Symptoms
|
Cold
|
Influenza
(the flu) |
| Fever | Rare | Usual, sudden onset 39º-40º, lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Usual, can be severe |
| Aches and Pains | Sometimes mild | Usual, often severe |
| Fatigue and weakness | Sometimes mild | Usual, may last 2-3 weeks or more |
| Extreme fatigue | Unusual | Usual, early onset, can be severe |
| Runny, stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, coughing | Sometimes mild to moderate | Usual, can be severe |
| Complications | Can lead to sinus congestion or earache | Can lead to pneumonia and respiratory failure, and more complications in persons with chronic diseases |
| Prevention | Frequent hand-washing | Yearly influenza vaccine and frequent hand-washing |
| Treatment | No specific treatment is available; symptom relief only | Anti-viral drugs by prescription, which can reduce symptoms. |
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