Myth Busters Flu Edition: Give Us Your Best Shot!

We have all heard the opinion of others when it comes to the flu, but how do we know what information is real and what isn’t? With flu season in full swing, and all of the misconceptions circulating this time of year, we have compiled a list of the top flu myths to help keep you and your family healthy this flu season.

Myth 1: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.

The truth is, it is scientifically impossible to get the flu from a vaccine. The flu shot is either made from an inactivated (dead) virus that cannot cause the flu, or with no flu vaccine viruses at all (which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine). The nasal spray, which is available this flu season, does contain live viruses, but the viruses have been weakened, and cannot give you the flu. So the next time someone tells you this, tell them it can’t happen, because- science says so! Read more here on why this myth persists.

Myth 2:  You’re healthy, so you don’t need the flu vaccine.

We wish this one was true, but in reality anyone can get the flu. It is correct that certain people are at higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu, but everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated.   

Myth 3: It’s better to get the flu than the flu vaccine.

Tell this to someone who has had the flu before. The flu not only can cause body aches, fever, cough, and chills, but it can cause serious symptoms, hospitalization, or death, even among healthy children and adults.  So, don’t risk it; get the flu shot!

Myth 4: You don’t need a flu vaccine every year.

The flu virus typically changes each year, and even when it hasn’t, our immunity decreases as time goes on. Getting vaccinated every year is our best shot (pun intended) at getting the protection we need against the flu.

Myth 5: Pregnant women shouldn't get the flu vaccine.

Actually, flu vaccines given during pregnancy help protect both the mom and her baby from flu. A recent 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40 percent.

Myth 6: It’s too late in the season to get vaccinated.

Although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, getting vaccinated later is still beneficial. Flu is unpredictable and seasons can vary. Seasonal flu usually peaks between December and February, but it can occur as late as May. So if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, don’t worry, it’s not too late!

Myth 7: Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.

Don’t be silly. We can all help stop the spread of germs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; try to avoid close contact with sick people (people with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away); and try not to touch your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Myth 8: You can't spread the flu if you're feeling well.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop. That means you can pass the flu onto someone else before you even know you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms, during this time, they can still pass the virus on to others.  

Myth 9: If you have a high fever with the flu that lasts more than a day or two, antibiotics may be necessary.

Antibiotics only work against bacteria; they are not effective against a viral infection like the flu. Click here to learn about what to do if you get sick with the flu.

Myth 10: The flu is just a bad cold.

The flu may cause bad cold symptoms, like sore throat, runny, nose and cough, but the CDC estimates show that more than 900,000 people were hospitalized and more than 79,000 people died from flu in the 2017-2018 flu season. These are record-breaking numbers, and stress the seriousness of the flu.

You are now a flu whiz. Spread your knowledge, not your germs😀

Lindsay Dareff
Registered Professional Nurse

Health Planning and Promotion Division