Author: Jennifer Guthrie, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University

As the fall months settle in, Canadians are being urged to take precautions against the upcoming flu season. Flu season in Canada typically peaks between December and February, but the virus can circulate much earlier. Public health officials are advocating for early vaccination, emphasizing that the annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect against infection and reduce the severity of illness. Clinics across Canada offer flu shots free of charge. Influenza Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that spread easily from person to person. These viruses mainly affect the…