Seniors are the most significantly affected. In Canada, seniors represent 15 per cent of our population, yet account for up to 40 per cent of all influenza infections, the majority of all hospitalizations and deaths from influenza. Why? Because seniors are more likely to be frail and have chronic medical conditions that put them at high risk for influenza and its complications.

There are too many Christmases where the shine was dulled by illness. Several times, Christmas Day got completely postponed, and everyone stayed home to avoid more cross-contamination! So, what you do to get through the next few weeks if an unplanned bug shows up to mess up your plans?

The flu is an acute respiratory infection that brings along a fever, cough, chills, aches and pains, and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. For the elderly, pregnant women, chronically ill or young children, influenza can be deadly. It kills around 3,500 people per year in Canada.

Researchers have known the immune system plays a role in fighting the virus and other parts of the body do change. But a detailed account of what happens at the site of battle has been for the most part a mystery. Now an international team of researchers have given us a glimpse into the war happening inside.

Exposure to bacteria and viruses along with mental and physical stressors can take a toll on our bodies, making us susceptible to illness. While we cannot always prevent the cold and flu, having a strong immune system is one of the best protections against these pathogens, and get us back to feeling ourselves quicker.

I can't truly explain how exhausting, challenging and incredibly cold this night was. I had been given a real-life scenario of a homeless youth as a part of 360°kids' 360°Experience. Our experience had us stepping into the shoes of a 16-year-old male, who was unsafe at home and had to leave quickly to save himself.