Flu Myths Busted

If you’re still wondering whether you need a flu shot, consider this: Only 5% of people wash their hands well enough to kill germs, according to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health. On top of that, 10% of people skip washing their hands altogether.  

It’s no wonder that flu can spread so easily and why getting vaccinated is so important. But only a little more than half of Americans get their shot during any given year. That’s way below the 70% needed for maximum community protection.

One of the most important reasons to get the flu shot: to protect people who have chronic conditions. Those who have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and many other conditions have a higher risk of developing serious complications, which can land them in the hospital or even lead to death. In fact, during recent flu seasons, 9 out of 10 people who were hospitalized with the flu had at least one underlying health condition.

“If you’re going to be around people with chronic illness, you don’t want to be the one to pass the flu to them,” says Kisha Davis, M.D., medical director of the Casey Health Institute in Gaithersburg, Maryland. “And can you afford to take a week off work if you get sick?”

Don’t think you need a flu shot or worried that the vaccination will make you sick? Keep reading to clear up any flu shot confusion. 

Myth 1: Only babies and older adults need a flu shot
Actually, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s especially important for adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and, of course, those with chronic conditions. Those groups are all at high risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu, and they’re more likely to be hospitalized. And kids younger than 5 — especially those under 2 — are at especially high risk of developing serious flu-related illness.

According to the CDC, some 26,000 children under the age of 5 were hospitalized for the flu during the 2019-20 season. Even if you’re not worried about yourself, get your shot to protect the little ones.

Myth 2: You can get the flu from a flu shot
The flu shot uses dead viruses that can’t make you sick. That doesn’t mean the flu-like symptoms some people feel after getting their shot are imagined. “Your body has to respond to the vaccine,” Dr. Davis says. “So you might have some side effects that mimic the flu, such as runny nose, fever, and aches.” These minor side effects usually last one to two days. If you’re concerned about side effects, contact your doctor.

Myth 3: You shouldn’t get a flu shot too early
“It takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective,” Dr. Davis says. You’ll get the most benefit if you get a flu shot as soon as they’re available, since flu cases can pop up as early as October.

Myth 4: It’s too late to get a flu shot in January
Flu season peaks in January and February, but flu cases can occur as late as March or April. Though it’s best to get a flu shot sooner rather than later, you may still benefit from getting one in late January or early February, Dr. Davis says.

Myth 5: A flu shot only protects you from certain strains, so there’s no point
Research shows that even if the strains included in a particular year’s flu vaccine aren’t a perfect match, a flu shot can still provide some protection against the circulating virus.

Myth 6: Children with egg allergies shouldn’t get a flu shot
All children over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot. The CDC recommends that children with egg allergies get their flu shot from their primary care physician or allergist so they can be monitored for any allergic reactions after getting the shot.

Myth 7: The flu vaccine is always given as a shot
The flu vaccine is also available as a nasal spray. Usually, it’s an alternative to the shot for people between the ages of 2 and 49 who are not pregnant and who don’t have a health condition. Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

For more information, visit flu.gov or 1-800-CDC-INFO.

 

According to the CDC, some 26,000

children under the age of 5 were

hospitalized for the flu during

the 2019-20 season.