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L e t ’ s B e a t t h e F l u
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasonal Influenza (flu)
What is Seasonal Influenza?
Influenza (commonly known as "the flu") is a serious respiratory infection that is caused by the influenza virus. The flu is spread easily through coughing, sneezing or through touching contaminated surfaces or objects like unwashed hands, toys and eating utensils. The flu can be prevented by getting the flu vaccine every year and by practicing good hand washing.
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What is the difference between
the common cold and the flu?
Colds, stomach flu and other viral infections are often confused with the flu but they are caused by viruses different from the seasonal flu virus.
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Rare |
Usually high fever (102°F/39°C-
104°F/40°C), sudden onset, lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Usual, can be severe |
| Aches and pains |
Sometimes, mild |
Usual, often severe |
| Fatigue
& weakness |
Sometimes,
mild |
Usual, severe,
may last 2-3 weeks or more |
| Extreme Fatigue |
Unusual |
Usual early onset, can be
severe |
| Runny, stuffy
nose |
Common |
Common |
| Sneezing |
Common |
Sometimes |
| Sore throat |
Common |
Common |
| Chest discomfort, coughing |
Sometimes, mild to moderate |
Can become severe |
| Complications |
Unusual |
Pneumonia,
respiratory failure. Can be life-threatening |
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Facts about the seasonal flu vaccine:
- The vaccine is voluntary and available free of charge.
- It is safe and effective in preventing the seasonal flu.
- Although the vaccine contains part of the actual flu virus, the virus is dead and cannot give you the flu.
- The viruses that cause the seasonal flu change often and the previous season’s vaccine may not reliably protect against infection. For this reason, the seasonal flu vaccine is updated annually.
- Getting your annual seasonal flu immunization will help keep your immune system healthy and prevent you from getting sick.
- People should be immunized to protect themselves, their families and their community.
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What vaccines are available for the 2012-2013 flu season?
There are two seasonal flu vaccines available for children and adults ages 6 months and older for the 2012-2013 flu season.
The 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine contains the same three components as last year. Annual immunization is recommended even if the vaccine strains have not changed. Immunity decreases over time and re-immunization reinforces protection for the coming influenza season.
A third seasonal flu vaccine is available for adults 65 years and older, who have no contraindications, living in long-term care (LTC) centres only. This vaccine contains an adjuvant (an additive that enhances the effectiveness of the vaccine). This particular vaccine will not be available to individuals that do not live in LTC centres.
Contact Peel Public Health for more information.
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I am 65 years or older, but I don’t live in a long-term care (LTC) centre. Why can’t I receive the adjuvanted seasonal flu vaccine?
The adjuvanted seasonal flu vaccine is in limited supply and cannot be offered to all seniors. Individuals aged 65 years and older who are residents of LTC centres are at greater risk for getting the flu and of experiencing complications and therefore should receive this vaccine.
Adults 65 years and older who do not live in a LTC centre can receive protection with the two available seasonal flu vaccines.
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What are the seasonal flu vaccine
recommendations for children?
The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term-Care recommends that children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years of age, who have never received seasonal flu vaccine, obtain two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine given at least four weeks apart. Two doses are required because children may have limited exposure to the seasonal flu and therefore need two doses to develop protection. Children who have received seasonal flu vaccine in previous years need only one dose for protection.
Beginning last year, children 6 to 35 months of age will be given a full dose of the seasonal flu vaccine instead of the previously recommended half dose. This applies whether the child is being given one dose of seasonal flu vaccine or a two dose series.
Healthy children aged 6 to 59 months are at an increased risk of hospitalization related to seasonal influenza compared with healthy older children and young adults. This group is included among the recommended recipients of influenza vaccine.
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Who should get the seasonal flu
vaccine?
Individuals aged 6 months or older who live, work or attend school in Ontario are eligible to receive the publicly funded seasonal influenza vaccine through the Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP). In the event of a temporarily limited vaccine supply, priority should be given to the high priority groups: those at high risk of developing serious complications of influenza, and those most likely to transmit the virus to the high-risk population.
Recommended Recipients of Influenza Vaccine*
Healthy persons aged 2 to 64 years without contraindication are also encouraged to receive influenza vaccine even if they are not in one of the priority groups.
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| People at high risk of influenza-related complications or those more likely to require hospitalization |
- Adults (including pregnant women) and children with the following chronic health conditions:
- cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma)
- diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases
- cancer, immune compromising conditions (due to underlying disease and/or therapy)
- renal disease
- anemia or hemoglobinopathy
- conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration
- morbid obesity (BMI>40)
- children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid
- People of any age who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
- People ≥65 years of age
- Healthy children 6 months to 59 months of age
- Healthy pregnant women (the risk of influenza-related hospitalization increases with length of gestation, i.e., it is higher in the third than in the second trimester)
- Aboriginal peoples
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| People capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk |
- Health care and other care providers in facilities and community settings who, through their activities, are capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications
- Household contacts (adults and children) of individuals at high risk of influenza-related complications (whether or not the individual at high risk has been immunized):
- household contacts of individuals at high risk, as listed in the section above
- household contacts of infants <6 months of age, as these infants are at high risk of complications from influenza, but cannot receive influenza vaccine
- members of a household expecting a newborn during the influenza season
- Those providing regular child care to children <59 months of age, whether in or out of the home
- Those who provide services within closed or relatively closed settings to persons at high risk (e.g., crew on a ship)
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- People who provide essential community services.
- People in direct contact during culling operations with poultry infected with avian influenza.
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How well does the seasonal vaccine
protect against the seasonal flu?
Protection from the vaccine develops in two weeks, and may last up to one year. The seasonal flu vaccine is about 70 to 90% effective in preventing seasonal influenza illness in healthy adults and children. Research also shows that the seasonal influenza vaccine decreases the incidence of pneumonia, hospital admission and death in the elderly, and reduces exacerbations in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (NACI, 2012-2013). Some people who receive the vaccine may still get the flu, although the symptoms are usually milder. The seasonal flu vaccine does not prevent the common cold.
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Where do I get the seasonal Influenza
vaccine?
Peel Public Health community clinics for 2012-2013 concluded on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013 but it's not too late to get vaccinated!
The seasonal Influenza vaccine is available from most family doctors, some local pharmacies and participating workplaces. For more information about influenza and getting your flu shot, please call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 (Caledon residents can call free of charge at 905-584-2216) or visit the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to find a clinic near you.
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Seasonal Influenza
Facts and Myths
Myth |
Fact |
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"The seasonal flu vaccine can give me the flu" |
The seasonal influenza vaccine
cannot give you the flu.
The vaccine contains part of the actual influenza virus, but the virus is dead and cannot give you the flu. Many people confuse influenza with the common cold or other respiratory infections. The vaccine will only protect people from the seasonal influenza virus. |
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"The seasonal flu vaccine doesn't work" |
The seasonal flu vaccine is
safe and is 70-90% effective in preventing
seasonal influenza illness in healthy adults and
children.
Protection from the vaccine develops in approximately two weeks, and may last up to one year. The flu shot will not protect against colds and other respiratory illnesses that may be mistaken for the flu but are not caused by the influenza virus. |
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"Side effects of the seasonal flu shot are worse than getting the flu"
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Most people have
few or no side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine.
Side effects may include soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given in the arm. Occasionally, fever or muscle aches may occur and last up to two days. Although serious allergic reactions can occur, they are very rare. |
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"I don't get the flu" |
Even healthy individuals
can benefit from the seasonal flu vaccine.
Influenza
is spread easily through coughing and sneezing
or through touching contaminated surfaces
or objects like unwashed hands, toys and
eating utensils. Influenza can be prevented
by getting the flu vaccine every year and
by practicing good hand washing. |
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"The flu is not a serious illness" |
Although some symptoms of the flu are cold-like, other symptoms, such as headache, chills, dry cough, body aches, and fever, are far more serious.
Full recovery from the flu may take up to six weeks. The flu may also lead to severe and life-threatening complication, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. |
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"I don't need another shot. I have
already been vaccinated." |
A seasonal flu shot is needed every year.
There are many different types of flu virus and the viruses that cause the seasonal flu can change often. Because of this, the seasonal flu vaccine is updated each year to provide protection for the coming flu season.
Even if the vaccine strains have not changed, immunity decreases over time and re-immunization reinforces protection for the coming influenza season. |
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Is it OK for pregnant women to get the seasonal flu shot?
The 2012-2013 NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) recommends the inclusion of all pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, be among the recommended recipients for seasonal influenza vaccine. Ongoing research has not identified concern related to serious reactions following immunization in pregnant women.
Immunization is the best way to prevent the flu in pregnant women. You should consult with your health care provider if you are pregnant, or suspect that you are pregnant, and are unsure about getting the seasonal flu shot.
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Can I get the seasonal flu shot at Peel Public Health Influenza Clinics if I have an egg allergy?
Peel Public Health will only immunize individuals with the seasonal flu shot who have a lower risk for severe allergic reaction, as defined in the 2012-2013 NACI statement. Individuals with egg allergies will be assessed at the Peel Public Health Influenza Clinic prior to receiving the vaccine. Individuals who have been assessed to be at higher risk for severe allergic reaction will not be immunized and will be referred to their family physician.
If you are going to your health care provider to receive your seasonal flu vaccine, your health care provider will assess your egg allergy prior to administering the vaccine.
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What happens at a Peel Public Health Influenza Clinic?
- All individuals receiving the seasonal vaccine will be provided with verbal and/or written information about the risks/benefits of the vaccine along with any contraindications and precautions. Based on that information, each person may decide whether to be immunized or not.
- Those individuals who choose to be immunized are asked to sign consent for immunization.
- The consent for immunization can be signed by individuals aged 14 years and over. For individuals under the age of 14 years, consent must be signed by a parent/legal guardian.
- A nurse will determine an individual's capacity to give informed consent when needed.
- Screening questions specific to the seasonal flu vaccine will be asked for each client before the nurse will proceed with immunization. Generally, each person will be screened for the following:
- Allergies to any component of the flu vaccine
- History of a reaction to any vaccine
- Illness
- Medical problems/Medications
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Important information about receiving a seasonal flu shot at a Peel Public Health Influenza Clinic:
- Peel Public Health Influenza Clinics will immunize any individual 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women.
- Please remain at the clinic for 15 to 30 minutes after receiving your influenza injection.
- Persons who are acutely ill or have a fever should wait until they recover before getting the seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Individuals 14 years of age and older may sign their own consent.
- A short sleeved or loose shirt should be worn.
The following individuals will not be immunized at a Peel Public Health Influenza Clinic and will be referred to their family doctor for possible immunization:
- Individuals who have a seizure disorder that may be considered new or evolving or are currently under investigation for seizures
- Individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Individuals with a history of Oculo-Respiratory Syndrome
- Individuals with severe allergy to eggs
While serious side effects are rare, they can occur. Contact your family doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you experience any of these symptoms in the next two weeks following immunization:
- High fever or hives
- Swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue or face
- Difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing
- Continued or increasing weakness
- Fast heart beat, dizziness or convulsions
- Any other unusual condition or serious reaction
Report serious side effects to your doctor and Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
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What are other ways to prevent getting the flu?
Basic infection prevention measures remain effective to prevent getting the flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If your hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It needs to be at least 62% alcohol to be effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you get sick.
- See your local health care provider or call TeleHealth at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
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What is pandemic flu?
Pandemics occur when a disease spreads easily and rapidly throughout the world.
Pandemic influenza is a contagious respiratory (breathing) illness that occurs when a new strain of flu (influenza) virus appears and spreads quickly around the world.
Visit Peel Public Health’s Pandemic Planning and Response for information about pandemic influenza.
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