- Infection & Virus
Influenza
The flu is a highly contagious illness caused by an influenza virus. The influenza virus causes infections of the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily by coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with spit, phlegm or runny nose.
1–4 days
Symptoms appear after exposure to the virus
Highly
Contagious — spreads by coughing, sneezing, contact
Annual
Flu shot needed every flu season
Long COVID
Some experience long-term symptoms after recovery
- Symptoms
- References
- Immunization
Symptoms
Recognising influenza
Flu symptoms appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. They generally include the sudden appearance of some or all the following:
Fever
Cough
Muscle aches and pain
Headache
Loss of appetite
Chills
Fatigue (tiredness)
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
More common in children
Immunization
The flu shot
The influenza immunization is called the flu shot. It is important to get a flu shot every ‘flu season’, because the virus changes and each immunization is designed to address the changes.
Immunizations protect you as well as those around you by helping your immune system recognize and fight the flu. There are different ways an immunization can do this. Some introduce a weakened virus or an inactivated virus into the cells, while others create a copy of the virus or introduce an empty ‘shell’ without a virus inside it.
No matter how it works, the immunization itself will not cause the flu. The flu shot helps the body use its own immunity to prevent the flu.
- People who should get the flu shot
You may be ineligible for the flu shot if
-
Experienced anaphylactic reactions to previous influenza immunizationsExperienced anaphylactic reactions to previous influenza immunizations
-
Developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of a previous immunizationDeveloped Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of a previous immunization
Discuss concerns with your doctor to minimize risk while looking at alternate ways to keep yourself safe.
References
Resources and articles
Article – A Senior's Story from Influenza Diagnosis to Long-Term Impact
Article – One Senior's Perspective on Flu and Independence
Infographic – Flu & COPD
Infographic – Flu & 65+
Influenza and Heart Disease
Infographic – Flu & Diabetes
Fact Sheet – Flu as you age
Fact Sheet – Flu and retirement
Influenza and your Immune System
Influenza and Cardiovascular Complications
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