Influenza

Did You Know?

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs.

The flu often spreads from person to person via tiny droplets released when talking, sneezing, and coughing.

Every year in Canada, influenza causes approximately 12,000 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths. 

Symptoms

It is helpful to know the differences between a common cold vs influenza symptoms.

Common Cold

Runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, throat irritation.

Influenza

Headache, chills, cough, fever, appetite loss, muscle aches, tiredness.

Most Frequent Questions and Answers

  • Children, pregnant women, individuals aged 65+ years of age, and persons with other illnesses (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer) are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe cases of influenza. 
  • Regularly washing your hands, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. 
  • The best way to prevent you from getting sick with influenza and prevent spreading it to others, is by getting the influenza vaccine (flu shot). 
  • Yearly! Everyone should get the influenza vaccine every year, as the type of virus is constantly changing, and the vaccines effectiveness wears off.
  • Can I get the flu from the flu shot? No, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot.
  • Can I get sick from the flu shot? It is very rare to experience side effects from the shot.
  • You can get the influenza vaccine in various locations. For example: your family doctor, the Windsor-Essex Health Unit, a local pharmacy.
  • Check out the following website for more information about where to get your flu shot: https://www.wechu.org/your-health/where-get-flu-shot

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza.html