Tis the season for flu and norovirus

Influenza

The influenza virus (the flu) affects most Canadians between November and April. Here’s how to recognize, prevent, and recover from the flu this season.

Flu symptoms typically include the sudden appearance of a high fever (39°C and above), cough, muscle aches, and a headache.

The flu causes more severe symptoms than the common cold, and can lead to serious health problems like pneumonia. Fever and aches are typically characteristic of the flu and not the cold.

The flu shot is the best defense against influenza. You can get the shot for free at pharmacies or at your doctor’s office. It’s important to get the shot as soon as possible because it takes two weeks to fully take effect. Hand hygiene is essential in protecting you against the flu. The influenza virus can live on your hands for up to 3 hours, and washing your hands with soap and water will help prevent the spread to yourself and others.

It's important to take precautions even if you're feeling healthy. Flu symptoms can appear up to 4 days after you’re exposed to the virus, but the flu is contagious on day 1.

If you think you have the flu, it's important to get plenty of rest. Public Health Canada recommends staying home, drinking lots of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil to help with the fever and pains as appropriate.

Most otherwise healthy people will recover from the flu within 7 to 10 days. Contact your health care provider if your symptoms worsen or persist past this. Make sure your fever and other symptoms are no longer present for 24 hours before returning to work.

Related link

• Flu Facts

Norovirus

Every winter, Canadians also suffer from a different kind of infection. Norovirus – the stomach flu – is not related to the influenza virus, but causes outbreaks of vomiting and/or diarrhea. You can become infected through physical contact with a contaminated person or object.

This infection causes sudden nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea that lasts up to 3 days. Symptoms usually appear within the first 2 days of becoming infected, and otherwise healthy people will recover 2 to 3 days afterwards.

Keep your hands and work surfaces clean to prevent becoming infected. If you do become infected, stay home and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Public Health Canada recommends staying home until you are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.