Influenza is a contagious viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. The flu can be very serious. Flu causes about 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada each year.
The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent its spread. Talk to your health care provider, visit a participating pharmacy, or come to one of our influenza (flu) clinics to get the flu vaccine.
View/download our flyer on the flu – caring for someone sick at home, or learn more about the flu from Ontario Health.
What are the symptoms?
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle and body aches
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Ear pain, vomiting, or diarrhea in children
Some side effects of the flu vaccine (fever, headache, fatigue) can look similar to COVID-19 symptoms. If these occur, they usually begin soon after vaccination and last 1-2 days. Seek health care advice if symptoms persist.
How can I prevent the flu?
Follow these steps to protect yourself, your family and your community from the flu:
- Get a flu shot every year
- Clean your hands often
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect items and surfaces that are touched a lot
- Stay home when you are sick
Learn more on our preventing infection page.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
The flu vaccine is very safe. The flu vaccine may cause mild side effects such as a sore arm or redness where the needle was given. It cannot cause the flu.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every year, especially:
- Seniors
- Pregnant women
- Children
- People with health problems
- Anyone who takes care of children, elderly people or people with health problems
Who should not get the flu vaccine?
The flu shot is not recommended for:
- Infants under 6 months of age
- Anyone who has had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past
- Anyone with a serious allergy to thimerosal, formaldehyde, neomycin or kanamycin
- Anyone showing symptoms of a severe illness (if you have a mild illness such as a cold, you can still get your flu shot)
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Flu shots are free from your family doctor or health care provider, participating pharmacies (for children age 2 and older), or a public health clinic. If you are a Business Owner or Employer, you can also refer to the list of Pharmacy Contacts for Workplace Flu Clinics.