Families and the public

This page is designed to give families and the public up-to-date information on seasonal influenza. Please check back often for updated information.

Frequently Asked Quetions... 

What is influenza?

Influenza (often called the ‘flu') is a respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs.  It is caused by a virus that is easily passed from person to person.  It can cause mild to severe illness and at times lead to death. 

Is it a cold or influenza?

What should I do if I get sick?

If you have mild influenza-like symptoms, but are otherwise healthy, stay home to avoid infecting others and treat the symptoms. You can return to normal activities when you have no more symptoms. If you are pregnant, have underlying health problems or your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider for advice.

How can I prevent influenza?

You can play a role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of influenza.  To protect yourself and others from influenza, remember to Clean, Cover, and Contain and follow these simple steps:

  • Clean your hands frequently and keep surfaces clean - Twenty seconds of handwashing with warm water and soap helps remove bacteria and viruses.  Remember to wash before and after eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated by other people.  Doorknobs, light switches, telephones, keyboards and other surfaces can become contaminated with all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these surfaces can help.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes - Use a tissue or raise your arm to your face and cough or sneeze into your arm.  If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands immediately. 
  • Contain you illness by staying home and resting - If you go out you may spread your illness to other people.  It may take you longer to get better if you are not well rested. 
  • Choose to be vaccinated. Get the annual influenza vaccine if you are eligible.

Encourage others to follow these simple steps. If you have children, be a good role model. Teach them to count to 20 while washing their hands and show them how to cover up when they cough or sneeze.

Clean, Cover & Contain

Am I eligible for the influenza vaccine?

It is very important for those at high-risk for influenza-related complications and their contacts to be immunized every year at the beginning of the influenza season. This includes:

  • Adults and children with chronic conditions requiring regular medical follow-up or hospital care, including:
  • Respiratory disorders such as asthma or cystic fibrosis
  • Cardiac disease
  • Renal disease
  • Metabolic disorders such as diabetes
  • Mobility impairment such as may occur with arthritis or obesity
  • Immunosuppression including that associated with medical treatment
  • Persons in residential care, including residents and staff
  • Persons age 60 years and over
  • Children age 6 months to 23 months
  • Health care workers including those in the community or chronic care facilities
  • Essential services workers (police, ambulance, firefighters or other persons in the community whose services may be considered essential)
  • Poultry and swine workers
  • Household contacts of people at high risk of influenza complications
  • Pregnant women, particularly those in the third trimester
  • Aboriginal people

Who should not get the influenza vaccine?

  • Those you have a severe allergic reaction to eggs
  • Those you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the influenza vaccine in the past.

Is the seasonal influenza vaccine safe?

Yes.  You cannot get influenza from the vaccine.  In Canada, vaccines undergo rigorous testing and licensing procedures with the Federal government. 

What are the possible side effects of the seasonal influenza vaccine?

Reactions that do occur are usually mild and may last a day or two.  You may experience:

  • Mild pain and/or swelling at the place where you got the needle
  • Mild fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains
  • A feeling of being tired

How do I get the seasonal influenza vaccine?

Contact the public health office in your area or discuss with your family doctor.

Influenza Immunization Schedule (To be updated once clinic dates are scheduled)

If I got the seasonal influenza vaccine last year, do I need it again this year?

Yes.  The seasonal influenza virus changes often, therefore it is necessary to get a seasonal influenza immunization every year.  This will provide protection against the new virus strains that may be circulating that year.

Adults and children ≥ 9 years old need only one dose each year of the seasonal influenza vaccine to be protected against the virus. 

Children < 9 years old who have never received the influenza vaccine before will require 2 doses, 4 weeks apart for their first influenza immunization.  For children < 9 years old who have received an influenza vaccine in the past, a one-dose annual influenza vaccine is sufficient.