Influenza (flu)

Influenza, often called the 'flu', is an infection of the upper airway (nose and throat) caused by an influenza virus. Many people use the term ‘flu’ to refer to any illness caused by a virus, such as ‘stomach flu’ or the common cold but these illnesses are different than influenza, which is more serious.

Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing and face to face contact. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze, and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

An adult can spread the virus from about one day before symptoms start to five days after. Children can spread the virus up to 21 days after symptoms start.

Influenza symptoms can include:

Children may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Information to help you decide if you have influenza or a cold.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.

The risk of complications is greater for seniors 65 years and older, pregnant individuals, children under 5 years of age, and people with certain medical conditions.

• About 12,200 Canadians are hospitalized because of influenza
• About 3,500 Canadians die from influenza
• 1.5 million work days are lost in Canada because of influenza

The best way is to get immunized. The influenza vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get the disease. When you get immunized you help to protect others as well.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends the influenza vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. In B.C., the influenza vaccine is free to everyone six months of age and older.

Learn more about diseases that can be prevented by routine immunizations:

• Immunize Canada: Diseases and vaccines
• Immunize BC: Influenza