The Flu Vaccine: Fact or Fake
We’ve all heard many things about the flu, or influenza, and the vaccine over the years. Let’s talk about the myths and the facts to help clear everything up.
Myth: But the flu shot can give me the flu!
Fact: The flu shot will not give you the flu. The injectable flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine, which means that the viral strains have been killed and cannot cause the flu. Sometimes, people experience side effects from the flu shot (like muscle aches, nausea, or fever), but this does not mean that the flu shot gave you the flu. Typically, side effects from the flu go away within a couple of days.
Myth: I got the flu shot last year, so I don’t need to get one this year.
Fact: Flu viruses are always changing, and each year the flu shot is designed to protect against new viruses that are circulating. It’s important to get your flu shot every year to protect yourself from current flu strains.
Myth: You can’t spread the flu if you are feeling well.
Fact: About 20 to 30% of people who carry the flu virus have no symptoms. These people can still spread the flu virus to those around them. So, it’s important that you get your flu shot to not only protect yourself, but to protect those around you as well.
Myth: You can catch the flu from going out in cold weather without a coat or with wet hair.
Fact: The only way you can catch the flu is by being exposed to the flu virus. Since flu season coincides with cold weather, many people often think you can catch the flu from being outside in the cold.
Myth: I am pregnant so I shouldn’t get the flu shot.
Fact: The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy, so be sure to get your flu shot!
Still have questions about the flu shot? Stop into your nearest Walberg Family Pharmacy today and talk to your pharmacist about the flu vaccine! See our locations here.
We can administer the flu vaccine to individuals 3 years of age and older. Vaccines are subject to availability. State-, age-, and health-related restrictions may apply.
You can also view a list of other vaccines offered at our pharmacies here.
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm