Information about the Flu

What is seasonal influenza (the flu)?

The flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. In Manitoba, the flu season occurs every year, usually starting in the fall and lasting into the spring. The flu can cause a range of sickness, from no symptoms to very serious illness, regardless of the strain involved.

There are steps you can take to help reduce your risk of getting the flu or other circulating respiratory illnesses, visit: Preventing Respiratory Infections.

For current data and surveillance information on influenza and COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit: Respiratory Surveillance | Health | Province of Manitoba.

For information on flu activity in Canada, visit: Flu (influenza): Monitoring through FluWatch - Canada.ca.


What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms often start suddenly with a fever, cough, and muscle aches. Other common symptoms include chills, tiredness, headache, sore throat, loss of appetite, and congestion (stuffy nose). Some people, especially children, may also have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Fever usually goes away in 3 to 4 days. Other symptoms clear up in about a week to 10 days. The cough can be very bad and last for two weeks or longer. Some people may feel weak or tired for several weeks.

The flu can lead to other illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis or ear infections. Severe flu can cause prolonged hospital stays and deaths due to heart complications, pneumonia and respiratory failure. The flu can also cause worsening of chronic health conditions.

Those at greatest risk of influenza-related complications are:

  • adults 65 years of age and older,
  • infants and children under the age of age 5,
  • adults and children with chronic health conditions,
  • residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities,
  • pregnant individuals and
  • Indigenous Peoples.

Guidance for when you have symptoms of a respiratory infection is available here: Province of Manitoba | Public Health Guidance for When You Have Symptoms of a Respiratory Infection.


Back To Top up arrow icon