Every year in Canada, Seasonal Influenza and its complications lead to an average 4,000 deaths and 20,000 hospitalizations. Influenza typically lasts for 7-10 days, but the cough and weakness may continue for up to 6 weeks.

Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection in the airways caused by the influenza virus. It's called 'seasonal' influenza because the virus circulates annually in the winter season in Canada. It should not be confused with avian or pandemic influenza.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends immunization for anyone who wants to reduce the risk of getting and spreading influenza. Although the influenza vaccine is not free for everyone in Canada, it usually costs less than $20 to get immunized - a small price to pay for the best protection against influenza.