Overview: The same flu myths persist, even though the flu strains change from year to year. Find out the facts about the flu so you and your family will have the most protection this winter season.
When it comes to the flu, you’ve heard it all. It seems like there’s no shortage of misinformation or misunderstanding. So, let’s dispel some of these misconceptions so you can have a safe and healthy winter season.
Myth: You can catch influenza from the flu vaccine.
False. The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus that can’t transmit infection. It’s common to feel ill after getting the vaccine but that doesn’t mean you’ve contracted the flu. It’s just your body responding to the vaccine and creating its natural immunities and that’s good. While nasal spray flu vaccine contains weakened live virus, it can’t cause infection in healthy individuals.
Myth: I can’t get the flu if I’m vaccinated.
You can get the flu even if you’re vaccinated because the vaccine isn’t 100% effective. It takes two weeks for full immunity to develop. You also may catch a different respiratory virus with similar symptoms or become exposed to a flu strain the vaccine doesn’t cover.
Myth: Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from influenza.
Although getting the annual flu vaccine is the No. 1 thing you can do to protect yourself against the flu, there are other ways to protect yourself and others around you.
- Use good hand hygiene.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a face mask.
- Stay hydrated.
Myth: The flu is just a bad cold.
False. Influenza is fundamentally different from the cold. While symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or runny nose can be similar, the flu is more severe for certain people. The flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus infections and can be more serious if you have a chronic condition.
By the way, antibiotics only work for bacterial infections, not viral infections like the cold or flu. However, you may be prescribed an antibiotic if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Myth: You don't need to get a flu shot every year.
It's important to get the flu vaccine every year because the virus strains included in the vaccine are updated annually to match the most common circulating strains. Each year, data and research are gathered from previous years to predict the possible strain of flu that could be prevalent during flu season the following year. Getting the vaccine annually is the best way to have immunity to the strains most likely to make you sick.
Myth: Healthy people don't need to be vaccinated.
Although there’s a much lower risk of having severe complications from the flu if you’re healthy, remember that it’s your job to protect your family, friends, neighbors and the more vulnerable people around you.
Myth: Vitamin C cures influenza.
There’s no scientific evidence to support that vitamin C will cure the flu. The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine, wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, use hand sanitizer and cover your mouth when you’re sneezing. Use a face mask if needed. Stay hydrated and contact your health care provider if you start experiencing flu-like symptoms or your symptoms worsen.
Myth: You can catch the flu from cold weather.
The flu season coincides with the winter season. However, only exposure to the influenza virus causes the flu. It has nothing to do with being out in the cold.
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.
