As social media is widely available, there are many myths concerning flu shots circulating around. To make sure you and your loved ones are safe, read on to see which claims you should not believe in and why you need the vaccine.
It will give you the flu
Many people are mistaken in thinking that the flu shot will give them the flu. This is simply not true as the vaccine contains an inactive virus that cannot cause an infection. Although the type that can be sprayed into your nose contains live viruses, this weakened version is also not strong enough to give you the flu. People often mistake some mild side effects of the vaccine with having the flu. For instance, mild soreness, tenderness, redness, or slight swelling of the injection site, small fever, or minor headaches are all common side effects of the flu vaccine that can last for a day or two. Moreover, many individuals don’t experience any side effects at all. On the other hand, the flu involves chills, fever, extreme fatigue, and muscle aches for several days. As it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to start working, people experiencing flu symptoms might have been infected prior to getting the shot or have an unrelated upper-respiratory sickness.
The flu boosts your immunity more than the vaccine
Another misconception that is circulating is that getting the flu builds immunity better than the vaccine. Experts agree that there is no truth to this. Sitting around, not sure if you’ll catch it or not, is never a good idea because the flu can get serious very fast. Moreover, the risks of complications are high even for healthy people. Getting vaccinated has the same immunity benefits without exposing you to unnecessary risk. In addition, once you build immunity to the flu, you cannot pass the germs to other people – meaning that you will also protect your loved ones.
The flu is not a big deal
One of the reasons why people think the flu is harmless is because the term is often used to refer to a simple cold or some other respiratory illness. It’s essential to know that influenza is a serious disease that can result in hospitalization and even death, especially among infants and the elderly.
Young and healthy people don’t need the jab
While you might be young and healthy, you should still get the flu shot. Everyone older than six months should get vaccinated because the flu is a contagious disease that can lead to serious health issues such as pneumonia, even in healthy people. Plus, even if it doesn’t affect you, you could still pass the virus to a relative or friend that might be more susceptible.
Getting vaccinated once is enough
People believe that if they got the flu vaccine the previous year, there is no need to do it again. However, to protect both yourself and others, you need to be vaccinated every year. This is because the vaccine’s effect lessens over time and its formulation changes to better protect against the viruses that are present.
You have a flu-free history
You might also think that there is no need to get vaccinated as you never had the flu before. Unfortunately, that simply does not guarantee that you will never get it. As strains evolve and change, you are at risk every year when you don’t get vaccinated. Additionally, you can also carry and pass the germs to others.
Flu shots don’t work
From getting infected before getting the vaccine to having some other respiratory issue, there are different reasons why people think that the vaccine doesn’t work. However, studies show that the chances of catching the flu when vaccinated are lowered by up to 60% and that those that do get it to experience milder symptoms. Moreover, the risk of flu-related hospitalization is also reduced, for all age groups. With that in mind, there is no reason to believe that shots that are kept in a specialized vaccine refrigerator will not protect you.
Pregnant people can’t get the vaccine
There is also the myth that people that are pregnant cannot get the job. Experts recommend all pregnant people are vaccinated as they are at a higher risk of serious complications. They should also receive the vaccine via a shot and not by nasal spray. What is more, the flu shot also protects the baby after delivery, which is very important as infants younger than six months cannot get the vaccine.
Waiting for winter is safer
While the cold season is peak flu season, that doesn’t mean that you have to wait for winter to get vaccinated. Don’t believe that you will be protected for longer if you get vaccinated later – this approach leaves you exposed for weeks or even months. Additionally, as the vaccine needs two weeks to start protecting you, you have one more reason to schedule your jab early.
If you’ve encountered some myths on the internet that made you doubt the efficacy of the flu vaccine, don’t let them convince you to put yourself and the people you love at risk. Look into where you can get vaccinated and schedule an appointment.
