What Is the Flu?

The flu – also called influenza – is an illness caused by influenza
viruses, which cause epidemics every year.  In Canada,
flu season typically occurs in the fall and wintermonths. It's
recommended that everyone six months of age andolder,
with rare exception, gets an annual flu vaccine.

Close-up of a young Asian couple wearing knitted hats and scarves, hugging and laughing.

Did you know younger children may not exhibit the
same flu symptoms as adults?

Ask your pediatrician about what signs to look out for.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THE FLU?

Flu symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a
few weeks. If you’re experiencing any combination of
the following symptoms-especially fever - visit your
doctor to see if you have the flu.

Although most people will recover within a week or 10 days, some are at greater risk of more severe complications,
such as pneumonia.