The Virus

Seasonal influenza occurs every winter in B.C.  Since the virus changes each year, a new vaccine is produced. In B.C., free influenza vaccine is available to high-risk groups like seniors and people with chronic disease.

An influenza pandemic may occur when an influenza virus radically changes and can easily infect humans, and against which people have little or no immunity.

Influenza viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, and on hands for up to five minutes.  Influenza spreads through respiratory secretions by:

• Spreading droplets between people when coughing or sneezing
• Touching things contaminated by respiratory secretions and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. 
• Spreading particles in the air among large groups of people in enclosed spaces

There are steps that can be taken to protect health.  It is important to cover nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, and to immediately throw away used tissues.  These steps, combined with frequent hand washing (PDF  45K), especially before eating or touching eyes, nose or mouth, can help stop illness and the spread of influenza viruses.

For more tips to help you stay healthy, see Prevent Influenza.  For handwashing posters, see Education & Awareness.