Understanding Influenza: A Contagious Illness
Overview of Influenza
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious infection affecting the upper respiratory tract. The flu season typically occurs from late fall to early spring, leading to numerous outbreaks each year. In Canada, during the 2017-2018 flu season, there were over 55,000 reported cases. Annually, it is estimated that around 12,200 individuals are hospitalized due to flu-related complications, resulting in approximately 3,500 deaths.
Causes and Symptoms
The flu is caused by an influenza virus that primarily infects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and generally last about a week to ten days in healthy individuals. However, the flu can be particularly severe and even life-threatening in vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Additionally, having the flu increases the risk of secondary infections, including pneumonia.
Five Effective Flu Prevention Tips
1. Get Vaccinated
Receiving a flu vaccination is the most effective method to prevent seasonal flu. Flu vaccines have been in use for over 60 years and are updated annually to protect against emerging strains. While vaccines are generally safe and effective, their potency may diminish over time, necessitating an annual shot. Most flu vaccines protect against three or four common strains and come in both inactive forms and nasal sprays with weakened live viruses. Though the vaccine may be less effective among the elderly or other high-risk groups, it can still mitigate the severity of symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications.
2. Wash Hands Regularly
Viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to two days and on hands for as long as five minutes. To combat germ spread, regular hand washing is crucial. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Avoiding contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth further reduces the risk of infection.
3. Wear a Mask
While cloth masks may not offer complete protection against inhaling aerosolized virus particles, they significantly reduce the number of viral particles expelled into the air when exhaling. Surgical masks and respirators provide greater protection. Wearing any form of mask can help lower the transmission of respiratory viruses, encouraging mindfulness about hand hygiene and face touching.
4. Avoid Close Contact
Influenza spreads rapidly, particularly in crowded settings, through both direct contact and airborne transmission. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets that can travel up to one meter. To minimize the risk of infection, it is advisable to maintain distance from sick individuals and for those who are ill to remain at home.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet plays a vital role in maintaining a robust immune system. While no specific food can prevent influenza, certain nutrients have been linked to immune health. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and vitamins A, C, and E, can support overall health. However, excessive consumption of any food group does not confer additional benefits.
6. Stay Active
Regular physical activity is essential for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise contributes to overall health and may enhance immune function. While the exact relationship between exercise and immune response is not fully understood, the health benefits of regular activity can help ensure the body’s systems operate effectively.
Conclusion
Implementing flu prevention strategies, particularly annual vaccination, is crucial during flu season. These measures, when combined, significantly lower the risk of infection and help maintain public health during outbreaks.
References
– Government of Canada. Flu (influenza): for health professionals [Internet]. Ottawa: Government of Canada. [updated 2018 Oct 25; cited 2018 Nov 26]. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/flu-influenza/health-professionals.html
– HealthLink BC. Influenza (flu) season [Internet]. Burnaby: HealthLink BC. 2018 [updated 2018 Oct 4; cited 2018 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/flu-season
– Infection Prevention and Control Canada. Seasonal influenza, avian influenza and pandemic influenza [Internet]. Winnipeg: IPAC. (unknown date) [cited 2018 Nov 24]. Available from: https://ipac-canada.org/influenza-resources.php
– World Health Organization. Influenza (seasonal) [Internet]. Geneva: WHO. 2018 Nov 6 [cited 2018 Nov 24]. Available from: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
– HealthLink BC. Hand washing: help stop the spread of germs [Internet]. Burnaby: HealthLink BC. 2018 [updated 2017 Jun; cited 2018 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/hand-washing
– Harvard Health Publishing. How to boost your immune system [Internet]. Boston: Harvard Medical School. 2014 Sep [updated 2018 Jul 16; cited 2018 Nov 24]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
Originally published Dec 3 2018, updated December 3rd 2025.