Influenza (Flu)

Influenza Immunization Awareness Month

Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Various strains of the virus circulate throughout the world year-round, causing local outbreaks. Learn more on:

• Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
• Avian Influenza
• Pandemic Influenza

Seasonal Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (or flu) is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Canadians each year. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected.

What You Can Do?

Find out more about the symptoms of the flu and what you can do to lower your risk by consulting the following resources:

Washing your hands is more important than ever. Learn the basics of hand washing!

• The Flu - It's Your Health fact sheet - a short, easy-to-read factsheet which provides tips to help you prevent the flu.
• Getting Serious About the Flu - What You Can do to Prevent it - an article presented by the Canadian Health Network
• Hand Washing: Reducing the Risk of Common Infections - this fact sheet provides information on why it is important to wash your hands, as well as tips on when and how you should do it.

Get a Flu Shot!

For more information on flu and flu shot clinics in your area, visit the provincial/territorial links below or contact your local or provincial/territorial health authority:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Québec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

From the Lab to the Doctor's Office

Consult the brochure Access to the seasonal flu vaccine in Canada - How the flu shot makes its way from the laboratory to the doctor's office for information on the development, regulation and distribution of the flu vaccine in Canada.

Related Resources

• Up-to-date Influenza (Flu) Information
• FluWatch, a weekly surveillance report
• National Advisory Committee on Immunization
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds. On rare occasions, it can cause disease in humans. Learn more by consulting:

• It's Your Health fact sheet on Avian Influenza (Bird Flu); and
• Our main Avian Influenza page

For up- to-date information on avian influenza and travel health advisories, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Avian Influenza section.

Pandemic Influenza

There is currently no pandemic flu in the world.Learn more about how the Government of Canada is preparing for a potential Influenza Pandemic:

• Visit the Pandemic Influenza Portal for one-stop access to information from Government of Canada departments and agencies on pandemic, avian and seasonal influenza;
• Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan;
• Ottawa 2005: Global Pandemic Influenza Readiness - An International Meeting of Ministers of Health;
• Pandemic Influenza Preparedness; and
• Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic (It's Your Health)