Preparing for Cold & Flu Season

Flu season typically runs from November through April; however, outbreaks can happen as early as October and last as late as May, and results in the hospitalization of as many as 12,000 Canadians every year. While most individuals will recover from the flu without needing to seek any kind of urgent medical attention, there are certain individuals who are at increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even sinus and ear infections. High-risk individuals include seniors over the age of 65, those under the age of 65 with a previously diagnosed chronic condition, those with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and healthcare providers such as nurses and doctors.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the lungs, throat and nose, and can easily be passed from person to person. Those suffering from the flu can experience a wide range of symptoms including a sudden onset of cough or fever, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a decreased appetite, and overall body aches. All of these symptoms can be severe, whereas symptoms of the common cold are usually mild in comparison.

It is also important to remember that COVID-19 remains a significant concern and continues to coexist with seasonal illnesses such as the flu and the common cold. COVID-19 shares many of the same symptoms with both cold and flu viruses, including fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and body aches, which can make it challenging to differentiate between these illnesses without testing. In particular, loss of taste or smell, which is a hallmark of COVID-19, may not always be present, and other overlapping symptoms such as difficulty breathing, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues may occur in all three illnesses. Given this overlap, it is crucial to take appropriate precautions, including getting tested if symptoms arise, isolating when necessary, and following public health guidelines.

For high-risk individuals and those with underlying conditions, the combination of flu and COVID-19 can be particularly dangerous. Co-infection with both viruses is possible, and healthcare systems may face additional strain during the colder months when both viruses circulate more actively. Therefore, it’s important to be vigilant about vaccination, not only against the flu but also against COVID-19. Keeping up with booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can offer added protection, especially as new variants continue to emerge.

Because of the similar symptoms between flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses, it is essential to monitor your health closely during flu season and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Both vaccines and general preventative measures, such as wearing masks in crowded places, frequent handwashing, and maintaining good respiratory hygiene, remain important tools in reducing the spread of both viruses.

Flu strains also change from year to year; thus, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends anyone over the age of 6 months be vaccinated against the flu each year. The flu vaccine works by creating antibodies that provide protection against and subdue strains of influenza. It is important to note that it typically takes up to 2 weeks for the antibodies to form and the flu shot to take full effect, therefore if you are exposed to the flu within that time frame you may still be at risk of developing the flu. If you have an egg allergy or are allergic to any of the ingredients found in the flu vaccination such as gelatin, you should avoid getting a flu vaccine and take alternative preventative measures against the flu. Garlic works well to boost the immune system and is known for its antibacterial properties, in addition to other nutrient-dense foods such as carrots, squash, broccoli, and kale, and proteins such as skinless chicken, turkey and beef. Regular exercise (2.5 hours each week) is also beneficial in playing a key role against developing illness.