Last updated: March 3, 2023

 

To help stop the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, anyone who feels sick should stay home and complete the self-assessment tool to learn more about what to do next.. Continue to follow public health measures and stay up-to-date with your vaccinations.

 

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by influenza A and B viruses.

Each year in Canada, about five to ten per cent of adults and 20 to 30 per cent of children get the flu, usually in the late fall and winter. Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu. Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way to protect yourself against getting very sick.

Symptoms

It can be hard to tell the difference between flu symptoms and other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19.

Flu symptoms can show up one to four days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Muscle aches and pain

Other flu symptoms can include:

  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling tired
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children

If you have any symptoms, stay home while you’re sick..

Testing

It can be difficult to tell the flu from other respiratory viruses based on symptoms alone, as the symptoms are similar. If your doctor needs to know whether you are sick with flu, there are laboratory tests that can be done.

Treatment

Most healthy people who get the flu will not need medical treatment. If you have the flu, here are some tips to help you feel better:

  • Stay home and get lots of rest
  • Drink lots of fluids
  • Speak to your health care provider or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that can help relieve symptoms and make you feel better, such as basic pain or fever relievers (Do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to anyone under the age of 18 years old)
  • For muscle pain, use a hot water bottle or heating pad – apply heat for short periods of time
  • Take a warm bath
  • Gargle with a glass of warm salt water or suck on hard candy or lozenges, except for young children
  • Use spray or saline drops for a stuffy nose
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco

Most people will recover from the flu within seven to ten days. Some people are at higher risk of complications including pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes.

Call your health care provider if:

  • You don’t start to feel better after a few days
  • Your symptoms get worse
  • You are at high risk of developing flu-related complications and develop flu symptoms

The Ontario College of Family Physicians has created a fact sheet with tips for parents/guardians on caring for children with respiratory symptoms, including how to help support your sick child at home and when to call your health care provider for a respiratory illness.

Some people may need antiviral drugs for treatment. They are prescription drugs that can be used to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Antiviral drugs are usually used early to treat hospitalized patients, people with severe flu illness, and people who are at higher risk for flu complications based on their age or other health conditions.

Antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting the flu vaccine. For more information on antiviral drugs, visit CDC’s What You Should Know about Flu Antiviral Drugs webpage or speak with your health care provider.

You can also call Health Connect Ontario at 811 to talk to a nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number and all information is confidential.

The flu is spread by droplets from people who are sick with the virus through a cough, sneeze or talking. These droplets can land in the mouths, noses or eyes of people who are close, within a two metre distance. A person can also get the flu when they touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch their own mouth, eyes or nose.

People with the flu can spread it to others starting one day before their first symptom(s) started until about five days after their first symptom(s). Children and people with weak immune systems can spread virus for a longer period of time.

How to Stop the Spread of the Flu

Everyone has a role to play to help stop the spread of respiratory viruses such as the flu and COVID-19. Follow these tips to help protect yourself, your loved ones and those most vulnerable in our communities.

Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent influenza

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, especially those who are at higher risk of flu-related complications or hospitalization, including:

  • People with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart and lung disease
  • People who live in long-term care homes and other chronic-care facilities
  • Pregnant people
  • Indigenous peoples
  • All children under five years of age
  • People 65 years of age and older

Get the flu vaccine from your health care provider, local pharmacist or Toronto Public Health immunization clinic.

Children six months of age and older and adults can get the flu vaccine at the same time, before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent flu illness and flu-related complications. It can reduce the risk of having go to the doctor with the flu by about 50 per cent, and reduces the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death.

Children

Children under the age of nine years old who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time, need a second dose at least four weeks after their first dose.

Adults 65+

The flu can make older adults very sick. Two vaccines are approved just for seniors to give better protection against the flu. Both of these vaccines may cause soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given, lasting a few days longer than the standard flu vaccine.

Pregnant People

The flu is more likely to cause illness that results in hospitalization in pregnant people than in people of reproductive age who are not pregnant. The flu may also be harmful for the developing baby. The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding people to reduce the risk of getting very sick from the flu. Vaccination can also protect the fetus and newborn.

Side Effects & Risks

It’s much safer to get the flu vaccine than to get the flu. Flu vaccines are safe, and side effects are usually mild and last a few days.

Common side effects include:

  • Pain, redness and swelling in the area where the vaccine was injected
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Feeling tired

Side effects in children can include irritability, drowsiness or loss of appetite.

In rare cases, serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. Get medical attention if you have trouble breathing, a rash or swelling of the face and throat. Allergic reactions can be treated and are usually temporary. The risk of Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome or Guillain-Barré Syndrome after the flu vaccine is very low, about one case in a million flu vaccines administered.

Talk to your Health Care Provider

Always tell your health care provider if you have allergies or if you have had side effects from a vaccine in the past. This vaccine isn’t for people who’ve had allergic reactions to the flu vaccine (anaphylaxis) in the past or people who’ve had Guillain-Barré Syndrome within six weeks after flu vaccination. People with a history of Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome can get the vaccine but should speak with their doctor first.

Flu vaccine appointments are available at:

  • Participating pharmacies for people two years of age and older
  • Participating primary care providers for people six months of age and older

How to Get Your Flu Vaccine Safely During COVID-19

  • Contact your local pharmacist or health care provider to make an appointment for you and your family members
  • Self-screen for COVID-19 before going to your appointment
  • Stay home if you feel sick, even if your symptoms are mild
  • Wear a mask