What is the Flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by influenza A and B viruses and spreads easily, especially during the late fall and winter months. In Canada, about 5-10% of adults and 20-30% of children get infected each year.
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also spread through airborne particles (aerosols) that linger in the air. Additionally, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can lead to infection.
People with the flu are contagious from one day before symptoms start until about five days after becoming sick. However, young children and those with weakened immune systems may spread the virus for longer periods.
Common Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms often develop suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children)
Who is at Risk?
While most people recover within a week to ten days, some individuals are at higher risk for complications, including:
- Seniors (65+)
- Young children (under 5 years old)
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions like asthma and COPD
- Residents of long-term care facilities
- Complications of the Flu
Severe flu cases can lead to complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Ear and sinus infections
- Dehydration
- Worsening of chronic health conditions
Each year in Canada, approximately 12,200 people are hospitalized, and 3,500 die due to flu-related complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing the flu can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to other respiratory illnesses. If needed, a healthcare provider can confirm a flu diagnosis with a nasal swab test.
For treatment, most healthy individuals do not need medication. However, antiviral drugs may be prescribed in severe cases or for high-risk individuals to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Other self-care measures include:
- Resting at home and staying hydrated
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers (avoiding aspirin for children under 18)
- Using a humidifier or saline nasal spray for congestion
- Gargling with warm salt water for sore throats
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking
How to Prevent the Flu
Preventing the flu is crucial, especially for high-risk individuals. Here’s what you can do:
- Get Vaccinated: The flu shot is the best way to protect against severe illness. The vaccine is updated yearly to match the circulating strains.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals: Stay away from people who have flu-like symptoms.
- Wear a Mask in Crowded Indoor Spaces: Especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness.
- Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
- Stay Home When Sick: Prevent spreading the flu to others by resting at home.
- Clean and Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces: Including doorknobs, mobile devices, and countertops.
When to See a Doctor
If you or a loved one experience the following severe symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent high fever
- Confusion or dizziness
- Severe dehydration (no urination, extreme weakness)
- Worsening of chronic conditions
For any concerns, you can call a healthcare provider or contact 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7.
Support Lung Health and Prevent the Flu
At the Lung Health Foundation, we work tirelessly to provide education, resources, and advocacy to help Canadians protect their lung health. This flu season, we encourage you to take action by getting vaccinated and practicing flu prevention strategies.
Your support makes a difference! Help us continue our mission by making a donation today. Every dollar helps us fund research, improve access to lung health programs, and support individuals living with respiratory conditions.
Donate Now to help build a healthier, flu-free future for all!