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Flu Facts

Protect Yourself. Get the Facts. Get the Flu Shot.

The flu is highly contagious

The flu is highly contagious. Children, seniors and people living with chronic disease are more vulnerable to the flu and are at a greater risk of serious illness and even death. While a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet widely available, there is a vaccine for the flu. Ontario’s doctors advise everyone who can get the flu vaccine to get it.

Ask your doctor about the flu shot.

Everyone who is 6 months or older should get the flu shot. It protects you if you are exposed to the virus and prevents you from passing it to others. Doctors and clinics are available to administer the flu shot and are taking the necessary precautions to ensure protection from COVID-19.

Five Things to Know About the Flu

Strain of the flu.

There is more than one strain of the flu.

Flu vaccine.

You can’t get sick from the flu vaccine.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are never needed for the flu. The flu is a virus and antibiotics are for bacterial infections.

Over-the-counter medications

The best way to treat mild flu symptoms is with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms, like a fever or cough.

The flu shot

The flu shot is your best defense against the flu, and suitable for everyone 6 months or older.

Cold vs. Flu

Ten minutes at your doctors office can save you a world of aches and pains. But how do you know if you have the flu versus a common cold?

Cold vs. Flu Chart

How do I tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

If you feel sick you should stay home.

The flu and COVID-19 have similar and overlapping symptoms and only a COVID-19 test can confirm that you do not have COVID-19. In some cases, a test to see if you have influenza can also be ordered. Generally, COVID-19 symptoms include a dry cough, a fever, shortness of breath and fatigue that develop gradually over a few days and last for up to two weeks. Common flu symptoms include a high fever, cough and muscle aches and pains that develop quickly and last for about a week.

More Ways to Protect Yourself

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