Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Various strains of the virus circulate throughout the world year-round, causing local outbreaks.
On this page:
H1N1 Flu Virus: Information for the Health Industry
- Interim Order Respecting the Sale of Oseltamivir Phosphate (Tamiflu)
- Information about the risk of dosing error for Tamiflu - for health professionals
- H1N1 vaccine - authorization information
Related Resources
- Advisories, Warnings and Recalls
- Lessons Learned Review: Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada Response to the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Interim Management Response and Action Plan Addressing Recommendations (November 2010)
- Management Response and Action Plan - H1N1
- Recent News Releases
- To find out how you can protect yourself and your family from the H1N1 flu virus, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's Web site.
Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (or flu) is a common respiratory illness affecting millions of Canadians each year. In Canada, flu season usually runs from November to April.
The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected.
What You Can Do?
Washing your hands is more important than ever.
Find out more about the symptoms of the flu and what you can do to lower your risk by consulting the following resources:
- The Flu - a short, easy-to-read factsheet which provides tips to help you prevent the flu.
These fact sheets provide information on why it is important to wash your hands, as well as tips on when and how you should do it.
Get a Flu Shot!
For more information on flu and flu shot clinics in your area, visit the provincial/territorial links below or contact your local or provincial/territorial health authority:
From the Lab to the Doctor's Office
Consult the brochure Access to the seasonal flu vaccine in Canada - How the flu shot makes its way from the laboratory to the doctor's office for information on the development, regulation and distribution of the flu vaccine in Canada.
Related Resources
- Up-to-date Influenza (Flu) Information
- FluWatch, a weekly surveillance report
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Pandemic Influenza
Learn more about how the Government of Canada is preparing for a potential Influenza Pandemic:
- Visit the Pandemic Influenza Portal for one-stop access to information from Government of Canada departments and agencies on pandemic, avian and seasonal influenza;
- Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan;
- Pandemic Influenza Preparedness; and
- Preparing for an Influenza Pandemic (It's Your Health)
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Avian influenza is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. There are at least 15 types of avian flu. They are all caused by various strains of type A influenza virus.
For most Canadians, the risk of getting avian influenza (bird flu) is extremely low. However, it is important to know how to minimize your risks, especially if you are travelling to an area affected by avian flu.
General Information
- It's Your Health - Avian Influenza is a short, easy-to-read fact sheet.
- Public Health Agency of Canada's Avian Influenza page offers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), travel health advisories and outbreak updates.
- International Updates - Avian Influenza published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Food Safety
- Avian Influenza and Poultry - There is no evidence to suggest that the consumption of cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the avian flu to humans.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Avian Influenza page
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