Anyone is at risk for getting the flu (also known as influenza).The flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world.
Help protect yourself and others in your family and community by recognizing the signs and symptoms of the flu, usually characterized by sudden fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), loss of appetite, sore throat and a runny nose. Most otherwise healthy people will recover within seven to ten days without requiring medical attention. However, the cough can be severe and can last two or more weeks. In others, influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk. The flu causes about over 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.
Those at high risk of complications or severe illness and death include:
- Pregnant women, children under the age of five years, the elderly, individuals with chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease, asthma, liver and kidney disease or diabetes), and individuals with immunosuppressive conditions (such as HIV/AIDS, or those receiving chemotherapy or steroid treatment).
- Health care workers are at higher risk of acquiring influenza virus infection due to increased exposure to the patients and risk further spread particularly to vulnerable individuals.
Influenza spreads easily especially in crowded areas like schools and nursing homes. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, infectious droplets containing viruses are dispersed into the air and can spread up to one metre, infecting those that breathe them in. The virus can also be spread by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. The virus can live for up to forty-eight hours on hard surfaces like countertops, door handles, keyboards and phones.
Flu season in Ontario usually occurs from late fall to early spring. The time from infection to showing signs of illness, called the incubation period, is on average two days. Keep in mind that you are still contagious even if you are not showing symptoms during this incubation period. It is recommended to get the flu vaccine as your best defense before the flu season begins, as it takes about two weeks to take effect.
The flu vaccine is safe and has been used for more than sixty years world-wide. The flu shot is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Here in Ontario the vaccine is free and readily available from your doctor, nurse practitioner, and many pharmacies and local public health units. The vaccine is available in an injection form or as a nasal spray. Individuals should discuss with their doctor or health care provider about which option is best for them.
Because there are several types of Influenza viruses, the vaccine is updated regularly due to the constantly evolving nature of the virus. WHO (World Health Organization) and the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) continuously monitors the influenza viruses circulating in humans and updates the composition of influenza vaccines twice a year. Therefore, it is very important to get your vaccine updated every year.
Among healthy low-risk adults, the influenza vaccine provides protection, even when circulating viruses do not exactly match the vaccine viruses. However, among the elderly, influenza vaccination may be less effective in preventing illness but can still reduce the severity of disease and incidence of complications and deaths. Vaccination is especially important for people in the high-risk group and for people who live with or care for the people at high risk.
Apart from vaccination there are personal protective measures to avoid and minimize spreading of the flu like:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water for a minimum of 5 seconds along with proper drying of the hands afterwards.
- Good respiratory hygiene–covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing or using tissues and disposing of them correctly; if no tissue is available, cough/sneeze into upper sleeve, not on hands.
- Stay home! Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza is important.
- Avoiding close contact with sick people.
- Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces and shared items.
If you are experiencing flu symptoms and are not from a high-risk group, you are advised to stay home to minimize the risk of infecting others. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms such as fever, getting lots of rest, and drinking plenty of fluids. If symptoms are not improving or worsening, then seek medical attention.
You can also call You can also call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 to talk to a registered nurse twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number, and all information is confidential.
(Information sourced from the World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal), and the Ontario Government website, https://www.ontario.ca/page/health-care-ontario)
