Flu

Who should get a flu shot?

Everyone 6 months old and above should get a flu shot.

Public Health is recommending everyone get the flu shot, especially the following groups:

People at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalization

  • All children 6 to 59 months of age
  • Adults and children with certain chronic health conditions
  • All individuals who are pregnant;
  • All individuals of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities;
  • Adults 65 years of age and older; and
  • Indigenous Peoples.

People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk

  • Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who, through their activities, are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk
  • Household contacts, both adults and children, of individuals at high risk, whether or not the individual at high risk has been vaccinated:
    • Household contacts of individuals at higher risk due to certain chronic health conditions
    • Household contacts of infants less than 6 months of age, as these infants are at high risk but cannot receive influenza vaccine
    • Members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season;
  • Those providing regular childcare to children 0 to 59 months of age, whether in or out of the home; and
  • Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to people at high risk (e.g., crew on a cruise ship).

Others

  • People who provide essential community services; and
  • People who are in direct contact with poultry infected with avian influenza during culling operations.

Can I get other vaccine, including the COVID-19 shot at the same time as the flu shot?

Yes, you can safely have other vaccine, including COVID-19 and flu vaccine at the same time.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by many viruses. Illness from flu usually begins 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. It affects the nose, throat and lungs.

Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Aches and pains
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite

If you or your child develops the following severe symptoms, please seek emergency care or call 911:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure that does not go away
  • Confusion or trouble waking up or staying awake
  • Blue, grey, or pale lips, skin or nail beds
  • Not drinking or eating enough and there are concerns about dehydration
  • Infants can be irritable and cannot be calmed down

How long does it take to recover from the flu?

Most people recover from the flu in 5 to 7 days.

If you have the flu, please stay home. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of clear liquids.

You can speak to your health care provider or call 811 to get advice on what you can do to manage your symptoms or whether you need to seek additional medical care.

For some people, the flu can be serious. If you’re in one of the high-risk groups, please monitor your symptoms.

If your symptoms get worse or your symptoms last a long time, please speak to your health care provider. Possible complications of the flu include pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions, or death.

How can I prevent myself from getting the flu?

To avoid getting and spreading the flu:

  • Get the flu shot;
  • Wash your hands frequently;
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
  • Stay home if you are sick;
  • Limit contact with other people while you are sick;
  • Limit contact with others who are sick;
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth;
  • Don’t share utensils, bottles, cosmetics; and,
  • Disinfect surfaces regularly like taps, doorknobs and countertops.

What’s the difference between the flu and a cold?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms of the flu are more intense. Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. The flu can have very serious associated complications.