Flu and stomach flu season

Illnesses such as flu, stomach flu, and sinusitis are common. Most people recover without any particular treatment. Discover our tips for treating yourself at home and relieving your symptoms. If medical consultation is necessary, find out when and where to seek help, depending on your symptoms and their severity.

Your options BEFORE going to the emergency room:

Your pharmacist
Info-Santé: 811, option 1
Your clinic: if you have a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner (SNP)
If you don't have a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner (SNP):
- 811, option 3
- Online

Worried about your child's health? See Fever, flu-like symptoms, and gastroenteritis in children (French).

What to do in case of a cold, flu, or gastrointestinal illness?

For most people, HOME is usually the best place to recover.

Taking care of yourself at home

Colds, Flu, COVID-19, etc.

A few tips:

Rest: rest will help you fight the disease.
Stay well hydrated: especially if you have a fever. It is recommended to drink 1.5 liters of liquid a day.
Take medication to relieve discomfort: acetaminophen is preferable (Tylenol^®), but the use of anti-inflammatories (Advil^® and Motrin^®) may be considered.

Stomach-flu

Stomach-flu symptoms usually last 24 to 72 hours, but can persist for up to 10 days.

A few tips:

It's important to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to keep you well hydrated. If necessary, you can use a rehydration solution. If so, opt for commercial solutions first. The homemade recipe can be an option, if required:
- 360 mL (12 oz.) pure orange juice, unsweetened
- 600 mL (20 oz.) cooled boiled water
- 2.5 mL (½ teaspoon) salt

For more information: Hydrating and rehydrating when you have gastroenteritis

Eat as normally as possible. Eating will help you regain your strength and may help the lining of your intestine heal more quickly.

For more information:Foods to eat when you have gastroenteritis

Sore throat

A sore throat can last from 3 to 5 days.

A few tips:

Make sure you stay well hydrated by drinking water, as well as hot or cold beverages as you prefer.
Avoid acidic liquids, such as lemon juice, grapefruit juice, alcohol, and coffee.
Choose cold, soft foods (ice cream, applesauce, yogurt, cheese, etc.).
Gargle with salt water to soothe your throat.

Homemade saline solution
- 240 mL (8 oz.) boiled and cooled drinking water
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp.) salt

Cough

The cough can last up to 3 weeks.

If your cough disturbs your sleep, sleep with your head elevated.

When and Where To Consult

Find out when and where to consult depending on your symptoms and their severity.

Colds, Flu, COVID-19, etc

If you need advice or are unsure whether to consult

Visit your pharmacist or call Info-Santé at 811, option 1.

Your pharmacist or an Info-Santé nurse can assess your condition and advise you on what to do.

If you are at risk of complications

If you are at risk of complications:

Baby under 6 months
60 and over
Pregnant woman
Immunocompromised
Chronic disease

Call Info-Santé at 811, option 1.

A nurse will be able to assess your condition and advise you on what to do.

If your symptoms worsen or last longer

If you find yourself in one of these situations:

Pain that increases or persists when you breathe
Fever rising or lasting more than 5 days
Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 7 days

Consult a health-care professional as soon as possible.

If you have difficulty breathing, convulsions, unable to urinate, etc.

If you have any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Blue Lips
Intense chest or head pain
Drowsiness, confusion, or disorientation
Convulsions
Unable to urinate for 12 h + intense thirst
Fever in:
- Baby under 3 months
- Very sick child who lacks energy and refuses to play

Go directly to the emergency room or call 911.

Stomach Flu

If you need advice or are unsure whether to consult

Visit your pharmacist or call Info-Santé at 811, option 1.

Your pharmacist or an Info-Santé nurse can assess your condition and advise you on what to do.

If you are at risk of complications

If you are at risk of complications:

Children under 2 years
65 and over
Pregnant woman
Chronic disease

Call Info-Santé at 811, option 1.

A nurse will be able to assess your condition and advise you on what to do.

If your symptoms worsen or last longer

If you find yourself in one of these situations:

Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours, despite rehydration and eating
Diarrhea and fever lasting more than 48 hours
Vomiting lasting more than 48 hours, despite rehydration and eating
Diarrhea lasting more than a week

Consult a health-care professional as soon as possible.

Contact your clinic or the Primary Care Access Point (GAP) at 811, option 3, or online, if you don't have a family doctor or specialized nurse practitioner (SPN).

If you have blood in your stool, diarrhea with severe pain, etc.

If you have any of the following symptoms:

Blood in your stool or black stool
Diarrhea with severe abdominal pain
Diarrhea, intense thirst, and unable to urinate for more than 12 hours
Frequent vomiting with no improvement after 4 to 6 hours
Vomiting with blood or stool
Deteriorating general condition (weakness, drowsiness, confusion)

Go to the emergency room as soon as possible or call 911.

Simple Steps to Prevent Infections

Wash your hands often, especially when you are with people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cough into your elbow or wear a mask.
Keep a large bottle of antibacterial gel within easy reach.
Clean frequently used items: door handles, toilet handles, remote controls, switches, telephones, favorite toys, etc.
Avoid contact with people who are or have recently been ill. They might still be contagious.
Vaccination is your best ally against influenza and COVID-19!

Find out more at how to limit the spread of respiratory viruses and hygiene measures to avoid catching stomach flu.

For more information

Find out more