10 Common Flu Myths

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According to the CDC, there are many myths and misconceptions out there regarding flu and the vaccine. Take a look at these ten myths and see if the truths surprise you.

Myth: Flu vaccine is not safe for pregnant women. 

Fact: Pregnant women should receive the flu vaccine because there is a reduction in the immune system and a high proportionate death rate during pregnancy. Additionally, during pregnancy, the mother may transfer flu immunity to their newborns.

Myth: Flu vaccines are not needed every year.

Fact: A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body?s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and sometimes updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.

Myth: It is better to wait and get the flu vaccine later in flu season.

Fact: Get the vaccine soon after it becomes available in your area, ideally by October, to ensure that you are protected before flu season begins. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season. Flu season usually peaks between December and February, but activity can last as late as May. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine in January or beyond.

Myth: Flu is not that serious.

Fact: According to the CDC, more people die each year from the flu and resulting complications than from all vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Flu symptoms include fever, headaches, cough sore throat nasal congestion, extreme tiredness and body aches. It can disrupt your work, school and social life for up to two weeks.

Myth: I exercise regularly and eat healthy so I do not need to get vaccinated.

Fact: The flu virus can spread when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks and can be transmitted on surfaces that are touched by both sick and healthy people. Even healthy people can be infected with the flu virus without showing any symptoms and unknowingly infect others.

Myth: Antibiotics will cure the flu.

Fact: The flu is a viral illness. It cannot be ?cured? by antibiotics. If you get the flu, the virus has to run its course and it?s highly contagious to those around you. If you experience quick onset of symptoms, such as high fever and body aches, seek medical attention promptly. Antivirals can be prescribed within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, to help minimize the longevity and severity of the virus in your system.

Myth: It won?t happen to me.

Fact:The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can cause mild to severe illness. The best way to help stop the spread of the flu is to prevent getting the flu yourself. Getting a flu vaccine each year protects you and those you love.

Myth:You can get the flu from the vaccine.

Fact:The flu vaccine is made from a dead virus and can?t transmit infection. Local reactions to the vaccine can occur including pain at injection site or low grade fever.

Myth:I had the flu even though I got vaccinated, so the flu vaccine didn?t work.

Fact:Flu vaccine is designed to cover the virus strains that are expected to be the most active during the season, but a person may get a different flu virus that is not included in the vaccine. If you are vaccinated against the flu, it is still possible to get the flu from other strains of the virus; however, people who have been vaccinated typically experience less severe symptoms and the duration of illness is shorter.

Myth:Healthy people don?t need vaccines.

Fact:Current recommendations include one seasonal annual vaccine for everyone over six months of age. Also, caregivers and health care workers need immunized to avoid spreading the flu virus.

At The Little Clinic, YOUR flu shot does more?. The Little Clinic will donate one meal to Feeding America for every flu shot administered from now through April 1, 2017.

Resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

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