Influenza (Flu)

Every winter almost one quarter of Canadians are infected with the influenza virus. Every so often a novel strain of influenza can cause an influenza pandemic.

Even in healthy people, the flu can be severe, so it is important to understand this disease. The easiest way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the flu vaccine each fall. Yearly vaccination prevents the flu in most people and for others, it may reduce the severity of the illness and even save lives.

Travelling to a tropical country this year? Influenza occurs worldwide and year-round in tropical climates. Those travelling to risk areas, who have not been immunized the previous fall, should be immunized.

Influenza Virus Influenza Fact Sheets Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet 2012/2013  Fluad® Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet for Residents of Ontario’s Long-Term Care Homes 2012/2013  Influenza Community Vaccination Clinics Influenza Immunization Rates for Facilities  Cover Your Cough  Management of Influenza in the Home  Influenza Antivirals Influenza vs Common Cold Pandemic Influenza Avian Flu Hand Washing Other Influenza Websites You and the Flu - Video  (MPG)