Influenza website
About Influenza (the flu)
What is the flu?
Influenza (the flu) is an infectious respiratory illlness that begins in the nose and throat (see symptoms below) and is caused by a highly contagious virus.
Influenza viruses change over time to escape the immunity people develop from having the flu or the flu shot in the past. That's why new vaccines are created to combat the newest strains of the virus.Most people who get the flu are ill for only a few days. However, some people can become very ill, possibly developing serious complications and requiring hospitalization. Occasionally influenza can lead to death from influenza-related pneumonia, or from other flu related complications such as an aggravation of underlying chronic heart and lung disease.
How does it spread?
The influenza virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People can become infected by touching objects or surfaces with flu viruses on them and then touching their mouth or nose. Learn more about how to stay healthy this flu season.
Infected people may be able to pass the virus along to others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.
Symptoms may include:
- sudden high fever
- headache
- loss of appetite
- severe muscle aches and pain
- extreme fatigue and weakness
- chills
- dry cough
- sweating
- sore throat
- runny nose
- nasal congestion
- sneezing
- Occasionally nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in children, but rarely in adults.
- Influenza is not the 'stomach flu', which mainly causes abdominal upset and diarrhea with few other symptoms.
Is it a cold or influenza?
Both the cold and influenza viruses are spread from contact with someone who already has the illness or from surfaces contaminated with these viruses.
(102°F/39°C to 104°F/40°C) - sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days |
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2-3 weeks or more |
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can be severe |
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coughing |
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congestion or earache |
and respiratory failure; can worsen a current chronic condition; can be life-threatening |
What should I do if I get the flu or develop flu-like symptoms?
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink a lot of liquids
- Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
- Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness
- Some over-the-counter medications can help relieve the symptoms of flu such as fever, aches and pains.
Note: ASA (aspirin) should not be given to children or teenagers unless specifically directed to do so by a doctor. The use of aspirin has been strongly linked with the development of Reye's syndrome, a rare disease that affects mainly children or teenagers during a viral illness such as chicken pox or influenza. Reye's syndrome can be fatal.
Antibiotics do not have any effect against a viral illness like the flu.
When should I see a doctor?
Most people recover from the flu within one week to 10 days. If symptoms last more than 10 days, or worsen, visit your family doctor or a walk-in clinic. See a doctor if any of the following symptoms are present:
- High or prolonged fever
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin colour
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Changes in mental status such as difficulty waking, irritability, or seizures
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
- Worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes
Where can I learn more about influenza?
For more information, visit Health Canada's Flu website.
This information has been taken from website "Influenza website"