What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a common respiratory illness caused by a virus. It affects thousands of Canadians each year during flu season, which typically runs from November to April.
Like COVID-19, the effect on those who contract influenza is varied - they can have no symptoms, can get only mildly ill, or they can get very sick and require acute care.
Flu symptoms are very similar to those of COVID-19 and may appear one to four days after exposure to the influenza virus. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, muscle aches and pains. Other common symptoms include headache, chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
Influenza is generally not a virus that affects the digestive system; however, some people, especially children, may experience diarrhea or nausea and vomiting.
Similar to COVID-19, there is a period where those infected with the influenza virus can spread it to others, typically starting one day before the first symptoms show until approximately five days after the first symptoms. Most people recover from the flu in seven to 10 days.
While COVID-19 and influenza do share some similarities, they are not the same virus.
“It is very important to get your flu shot to protect you and those around you, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions from the Influenza virus. It is particularly important during a pandemic when the novel coronavirus and variants, such as Delta, are circulating at the same time,” says Dr. Tania Diener, COVID-19 Immunization Co-Chief, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Getting your flu shot also minimizes the spread, reduces the risk of developing serious illness and death, and reduces potential hospitalizations related to influenza which would place additional pressure on hospitals that are already under significant demand due to COVID-19.”
For information about flu season in Saskatchewan including a list of flu clinics in your area, check out 4flu.ca and this Influenza fact sheet from the Government of Saskatchewan. For more information regarding COVID-19, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 site.