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The flu often appears more suddenly and commonly includes fever, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, chills, headache, or sore throat. Cold symptoms often develop more gradually and may be more likely to include a runny or stuffy nose.
Other respiratory illnesses, including RSV and COVID-19, can cause many of the same symptoms. Because symptoms often overlap, it may not always be possible to know which infection you have based on symptoms alone.
Most people recover from influenza within about 7 to 10 days, but the flu can sometimes cause serious complications, particularly in people who are at greater risk. (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of serious illness from certain respiratory infections.
For the 2026–2027 influenza season, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that the flu vaccine be offered annually to everyone six months of age and older who does not have a contraindication.
The flu vaccine is recommended every year because influenza viruses can change and protection from vaccination decreases over time.
Depending on your age, health, and individual risk factors, other vaccines may also be recommended. Speak with a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or your local public health unit about which vaccines may be appropriate for you.
No single action can prevent every respiratory infection. Combining several everyday habits can help reduce your chances of getting sick or spreading illness to others.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after being in public spaces, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
When soap and water are not available, Health Canada recommends using a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands since respiratory viruses can enter the body through these areas.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow rather than your hands. Throw used tissues away and clean your hands afterwards.
Small habits like these can help limit the spread of respiratory particles to the people and surfaces around you.
Respiratory infections can spread through particles released into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.
Improving indoor ventilation can help reduce the buildup of infectious particles. When appropriate, this may include:
• Opening windows or doors for fresh air
• Maintaining heating and ventilation systems
• Using kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans that vent outdoors
• Using a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter
Even opening windows for a short period can help improve natural ventilation when weather and conditions allow.
A well-fitting mask or respirator can provide another layer of protection against respiratory illnesses.
You may choose to wear one when respiratory illnesses are circulating widely, when spending time in crowded indoor spaces, or when you are sick but need to be around other people.
Masks can be particularly useful when you are spending time with someone who may be at greater risk of serious illness.
A little preparation can make managing an illness at home easier.
Before respiratory season is in full swing, consider checking that you have basic supplies available, such as:
• A working thermometer
• Tissues
• Hand soap or sanitizer
• Fluids and easy-to-prepare foods
• Any regularly used medications
• Appropriate over-the-counter medications you may use for fever, aches, or cold and flu symptoms
Check medication expiry dates and follow all label instructions. If you are unsure which medications are appropriate for you, speak with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
It can also be helpful to know how you would access medical care if you became sick, especially outside normal clinic hours.
Healthy everyday routines cannot guarantee that you will avoid a respiratory infection, but supporting your overall health can help you feel and function your best throughout the season.
Try to:
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
• Eat a balanced variety of foods
• Stay hydrated
• Continue regular physical activity
• Make time for rest and recovery
• Manage ongoing stress where possible
If your schedule becomes busier during the fall, small and consistent habits are usually more realistic than trying to change everything at once.
If you develop a respiratory illness, staying home and limiting close contact with others can help prevent spreading it.
For mild illness, rest, fluids, and appropriate over-the-counter medications may help manage symptoms.
If you must be around others while you are sick, consider wearing a well-fitting mask, cleaning your hands regularly, and covering coughs and sneezes.
For influenza, most people recover within 7 to 10 days. However, some people may benefit from prescription antiviral treatment, particularly if they are very sick or at greater risk of complications. A healthcare provider can determine whether treatment may be appropriate for you.
Speak with a healthcare provider if:
• Your symptoms are getting worse rather than improving
• You are concerned about the severity or duration of your illness
• You have an underlying health condition that may increase your risk of complications
• You are having difficulty staying hydrated
• You develop new or concerning symptoms
• You are unsure how to manage your symptoms safely
People at greater risk of influenza-related complications should contact a healthcare provider if they develop flu symptoms.
Seek emergency medical attention for severe symptoms such as significant difficulty breathing or persistent chest pain or pressure.
Cold and flu season does not have to catch you off guard. Getting recommended vaccinations, practising good hand hygiene, improving indoor air, staying home when sick, and knowing when to seek medical care can all help you navigate respiratory season with greater confidence.
A few simple preparations now can also make it easier to respond if you or someone in your household becomes sick.
MembersHealth provides convenient access to family physicians who can assess symptoms, answer questions, and help determine the appropriate next step in your care. If you are feeling unwell or are unsure whether your symptoms require medical attention, support is available when you need it.