Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious, acute respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. People who get influenza may have a fever, chills, cough, runny eyes, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, extreme weakness and fatigue. Note: the elderly may not have a fever. Children can also have earaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications, such as pneumonia. Your best protection against the flu is to receive a yearly flu shot.

Durham Region Health Department Resources

Where can I get the Flu Shot?

needle Flu shot information - Click Here!

How the Flu Makes You Sick

Complications of the Flu

Pneumococcal Disease

What can you do to stay healthy?

	Get a seasonal flu shot.

	Good hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of all flu viruses. Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

	Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (gel or wipes) handy at work, home and in your car. It needs to be at least 60% alcohol to be effective.

	Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue out. Cough into your upper sleeve if you don't have a tissue.

	Avoid large crowds of people where viruses can spread easily. Stay home when you are sick.

	Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
Adapted from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Avoiding the Flu 2012-06-28

What to do if you have symptoms of flu?

Important Links

Flu Surveillance

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Flu Information

DurhamMD.ca: Connects Durham Region healthcare providers to online information and resources to assist them in their daily practice.

Contact:

TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, 24 hours a day, 7days a week, TTY: 1-866-797-0007
Your health care provider
Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729