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Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza virus. Every year, many people become ill from influenza.
If you have influenza, symptoms may include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. In most cases, the symptoms are temporary, and most people recover within seven to ten days with rest and plenty of fluids.
In some cases, influenza can cause serious illness or complications - for example, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, or other respiratory complications. Those at high risk include children, seniors, and people of any age with chronic illnesses.
Choose to be healthy this influenza season. By making healthy choices, you can reduce your risk of getting influenza or passing it on to others:
- Get the influenza vaccine (flu shot). It is a safe and effective way to prevent influenza.
- Wash your hands regularly. This prevents the spread of germs and infection.
- Exercise and eat nutritious foods to stay healthy and strengthen your immune system.
Tips to Prevent Influenza (the Flu)
Getting your influenza vaccine (flu shot) is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others. Since influenza viruses can change, influenza vaccines are made available every year.
The influenza vaccine is safe. You cannot get influenza, or the flu, from getting the vaccine. Most people who get the influenza vaccine have either no side effects or only mild ones, such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the place where the vaccine was given.
The flu is not the same as a cold. The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, protects only against respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The influenza vaccine does not protect against viruses and bacteria that cause colds or other infections. For example, it does not protect against gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu.
In British Columbia, you can get the influenza vaccine from your doctor, public health or flu clinics, and some employers' programs. You are eligible for the free flu shot or influenza vaccine especially if you, family members, or close contacts are at high risk of illness or complications from influenza. Eligible people include:
- seniors ages 65 and older (learn more about why seniors should get a flu shot)
- residents of residential care, assisted living, or other group facilities
- pregnant women in their third trimester during the influenza season
- children 6 to 23 months of age
- children and teenagers taking Aspirin® or ASA for long periods of time
- children and adults with chronic or certain medical conditions, including anemia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer
- those with health concerns causing difficulty with breathing or swallowing, or risk of choking on food or fluids, including persons with severe brain damage, spinal cord injury, seizures, or neuromuscular disorders
In addition, people able to spread influenza to those at high risk or others are eligible for the free influenza vaccine. These include:
- doctors, nurses, and other care providers who work in hospitals, residential care, assisted living, or other group facilities
- ambulance attendants, police officers, firefighters, or others who provide essential community services
- household contacts, caregivers, and daycare staff
- people who live or work in confined settings, such as correctional facilities
- farmers and other people who work with live chickens or pigs
Some people with certain allergies or medical conditions should not get the influenza vaccine. Ask your doctor or public health nurse if you have any questions. Find information to help you decide about getting a flu shot.
In addition, regular hand washing and practicing good personal hygiene can help prevent the flu and not spread germs. Here are some tips:
- Get the influenza vaccine (flu shot).
- Stay home if you have influenza.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue away.
- Use disinfectant and regularly clean surfaces, such as door handles, desks, and counters.
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