Your Guide to Flu and Respiratory Season 2026–27

Every fall, cases of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rise across Canada. Together, these viruses fill clinics and hospitals through the winter. The good news is that vaccines and a few everyday habits can greatly reduce your risk of serious illness.

Get your flu shot

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older, unless they have a specific reason not to get one. Flu viruses change each year, and protection from the vaccine fades, so a new shot every fall matters.

The flu shot is especially important for:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy
• Children under five
• People with chronic conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system
• People living in long-term care or other group settings
• Health care workers, caregivers and anyone living with people at higher risk

In Ontario, the flu shot is free for everyone aged six months and older who lives, works or goes to school in the province. Pharmacists can give flu vaccines to people aged two and older, and children under two can be vaccinated by their doctor, nurse practitioner or public health unit.

Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are updated to better match circulating strains. In Ontario, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is offered free at participating pharmacies, as well as through doctors' offices and public health units. Eligibility and recommended timing can change from season to season, so check the latest Ontario Ministry of Health and NACI guidance, or ask our pharmacists.

People at higher risk, including older adults, residents of long-term care, people who are immunocompromised and people who are pregnant, are particularly encouraged to stay current.

You can usually get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit.

RSV protection for older adults and infants

RSV causes cold-like symptoms in most people, but it can lead to pneumonia and hospital stays in infants and older adults.

• RSV vaccines are available for older adults, and NACI recommends them for adults at higher risk of severe illness, including older seniors and residents of long-term care
• Ontario offers publicly funded RSV vaccination to certain older adults, such as those in long-term care and specific high-risk groups, with eligibility set by the province
• Infants can be protected through an antibody product given in their first RSV season, or through vaccination during pregnancy

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider whether you or someone in your family qualifies for a publicly funded dose, or whether a private-pay option makes sense.

Everyday habits that help

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Stay home when you are sick, and keep sick children home from school or daycare
• Consider wearing a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you are at higher risk
• Improve indoor air by opening windows when weather allows or using a HEPA air purifier
• Clean frequently touched surfaces

Treating symptoms at home

Most healthy adults recover from a cold, flu or mild COVID-19 at home within a week or two.

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches, following the label and your pharmacist's advice
• Try saline nasal spray, honey for cough in people over one year of age, and a humidifier
• Check with a pharmacist before using cough and cold products, especially for children, older adults and people with high blood pressure or other conditions

Antivirals can help some higher-risk people with flu or COVID-19, but they work best when started early. If you are at higher risk and develop symptoms, contact a health care provider promptly rather than waiting to see if you get worse.

When to seek care

Call your health care provider or speak with a pharmacist if:

• You are at higher risk and have flu or COVID-19 symptoms
• Your fever lasts more than three days, or returns after improving
• Your symptoms are getting worse instead of better after several days
• A baby under three months has a fever

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for:

• Trouble breathing, or breathing that is fast and laboured
• Chest pain or pressure
• Blue or grey lips or skin
• Confusion, severe drowsiness or difficulty waking
• Signs of dehydration, such as very little urine or no tears in a child
• A seizure

Book your vaccines

You can get a flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine at most Ontario pharmacies, and our pharmacists are available 24/7 to answer questions about eligibility, timing and side effects.