Public Health Agency of Canada
Ministry of Health
Public Health Ontario
Caring for Kids
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
Flu/Influenza
The influenza virus or "flu" is a respiratory illness that spreads most frequently in the fall and winter. The flu spreads from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or having face-to-face contact (e.g., talking). While anyone can get the flu, the very young, the elderly and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of complications. The best way to prevent getting sick with the flu is to get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.
There are three main types of the influenza virus: A, B, and C. Types A and B are usually the viruses detected during the flu season, which usually runs between November and March each year.
For more information, view local Influenza activity on our respiratory dashboard page.
More Information about the Flu/Influenza
Seasonal influenza: report to the Health Unit within one business day by fax (705-482-0670) or phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if seasonal influenza is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.
Novel influenza: report to Health Unit immediately by fax (705-482-0670) and phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if novel influenza is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.
After hours, weekends, and holidays, call 705-474-1400 then press 0 to speak with the Answering Service. The on-call CDC Public Health Nurse will get back to you as soon as possible.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have the flu?
Ill individuals should remain home until they do not have a fever, do not develop any new symptoms, and symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (48 hours for nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea).
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, or occupational health at your workplace.
Healthcare Providers and Community Partner Information
For Information on Testing
For Information on Antivirals
- Recommendations for Antiviral Therapy of Seasonal Influenza from Ontario Health
For Information on Vaccines
- Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: Influenza Immunization for Individuals ≥65 years of age
- Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: Influenza Immunization for Individuals 6 months to 64 years of age
- Influenza vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
- National Advisory Committee on Immunization: Statement on seasonal immunization vaccines for 2025-2026 season
For Information on Influenza Activity
Healthcare provider information
Influenza vaccination should be offered annually to anyone 6 months of age and older who does not have a contraindication to the vaccine.
Influenza vaccination is particularly recommended for:
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- people at high risk of severe disease, influenza-related complications, or hospitalization
- people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk, including health care workers
- people who provide essential community services
- people whose occupational or recreational activities increase their risk of exposure to avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses
- Adults and children nine years of age and older should receive one dose of influenza vaccine each year.
- Children six months to less than nine years of age who have never received influenza vaccine in a previous influenza season should be given two doses of influenza vaccine in the current season.
- Children six months to less than nine years of age who have been vaccinated with at least one dose of seasonal influenza vaccine in any previous season should receive one dose of influenza vaccine per season thereafter.
The decision to initiate antiviral therapy should include a clinical assessment of the patient’s signs and symptoms, along with consideration of their severity of illness, risk factor(s) for developing influenza-related complications, elapsed time from the onset of symptoms and epidemiologic factors (e.g., prevalence and strain of influenza virus circulating in the community).
Antiviral therapy should be started as soon as possible for individuals indicated for treatment, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset for the greatest clinical benefit. Antiviral therapy beyond 48 hours of symptom onset may also be considered in selected circumstances as described in the
Ontario Health Document: Recommendations for Antiviral Therapy of Seasonal Influenza
The following table summarizes current antiviral medications in Canada for quick reference during the 2025-26 season. All antiviral therapies have shown greatest benefit when given early in the course of illness, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset:
AMMI-Canada-Influenza-Antiviral-Therapy-2025_26-Q-and-A_FINAL-VERSION_FINAL-FINAL-2.pdf
This AMMI Canada synopsis summarizes key considerations around influenza and antiviral use for the 2025-26 season. It is intended for healthcare providers and for policymakers, managers and administrators involved in program and health system planning.
Public Health Ontario Laboratory performs confirmatory testing for influenza, see Respiratory Viruses (including influenza) for additional information.
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: May 2026, by CDC
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