The influenza virus or “flu” is a respiratory virus that circulates in the fall and winter months. The flu can spread from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing and having face-to-face contact. The flu can cause mild-severe respiratory illness. The best way to prevent infection is through getting the seasonal influenza vaccine in combination with following current public health guidelines around wearing masks, gloves and practicing regular hand hygiene.
The COVID-19 vaccines do not provide protection against seasonal influenza. This year’s flu season is taking place at the same time as COVID-19 – so it is important to get your flu shot and get it early. Flu shots are starting to become available throughout the province, and the following links can be used to either book a flu appointment or join a waitlist to be notified when the vaccine becomes available in your area:
Toronto Public Health – Flu Appointment Booking
Shoppers Drug Mart: Flu Shot Finder
Some of the symptoms of the flu are similar to those of COVID-19, so it may be hard to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. If you have symptoms, you should stay at home until you are feeling better. If you suspect you may have COVID-19, you should be tested for the virus.