Posted: 11/30/2020
During flu season, many myths spread about the flu shot. To help you understand the facts about the flu we’ve listed 5 flu shot myths.
MYTH 1: You can get the flu from the flu shot.
FACT: The flu shot cannot give you the flu because the virus is not alive. Some people may experience side effects, such as mild soreness or muscle aches, which can be confused with symptoms of the flu. Don’t worry. You’re not sick. It’s just your body reacting to the shot.
MYTH 2: Waiting until winter will protect me longer.
FACT: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting your flu shot by the end of October, if possible. The flu shot takes 2 weeks to start protecting you so the sooner you get the shot, the better. Even if you don’t get your shot early, it’s never too late for your flu shot.
MYTH 3: The flu shot doesn’t work.
FACT: The flu shot does work. Experts review which strains of the flu are in other areas of the world to predict which will hit the United States. Each year, the flu shot is made to protect you from those strains. Getting the flu shot can help prevent medical problems, decrease the time and how severe the illness is.
MYTH 4: I never get the flu, so I don’t need the vaccine.
FACT: Avoiding the flu in the past does not mean you will not get the flu in the future. Every year a new flu season puts you at risk. You can also have the flu and give it to others by not getting the vaccine.
MYTH 5: I got a flu shot last year, so I don’t need one this year.
FACT: This is false. Unlike some vaccines, the flu shot must be given every year to be effective.
The flu shot is by far the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Stop the flu before it gets to you. Get your flu shot today! For more information about flu, visit www.parklandhospital.com/flu or The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), www.cdc.gov/flu