Symptoms of influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, include a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fever, headache and muscle ache. Influenza usually lasts for 5 to 10 days. The cough and weakness can persist for up to 6 weeks making physical activity difficult. Most people with influenza will not become seriously ill. However, influenza can cause pneumonia and death in the elderly, children at high risk and those with heart or lung problems.
Influenza spreads very easily from an infected person to others through coughing and sneezing.
It is also spread by direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects like unwashed hands, clothes, toys, and eating utensils after they have been contaminated by the flu virus. The government urges all Ontarians to get a flu shot. Influenza vaccine protects about 70 per cent of people who receive a flu shot. Anyone who has had a shot can still get the flu, but they will be less sick than if they were not vaccinated. In elderly people this vaccine can prevent pneumonia in about 6 out of 10 people and can prevent death in more than 8 out of 10 people.