One commonly accessible vaccination that guards against the influenza virus is the flu shot. However, many individuals are still dubious about being vaccinated, even though it is crucial for avoiding flu-related illnesses and even fatalities. Numerous fallacies have been stoked by false information about the flu vaccine, which has decreased immunization rates and left many people susceptible to the illness.
We’ll dispel some of the most widespread myths around the flu vaccination in this post and provide information supported by science so you can make an educated choice.
Myth 1: “You Can Get the Flu From a Flu Shot”
The flu cannot be contracted via a vaccination.
This is one of the most widespread myths. Either proteins from the flu virus or an inactivated virus (in the case of the flu injection) are included in the flu vaccination. These two elements are not capable of causing an infection.
After receiving the flu vaccination, some individuals may have moderate symptoms including body pains, discomfort at the injection site, or a low-grade fever. These are not symptoms of having the flu, but rather show how the immune system is reacting to the vaccination.
Myth 2: “I don’t need a flu shot because I’m healthy.”
Fact: The flu may cause serious problems in even healthy persons. Anyone, regardless of health, may get the flu, which is unexpected. Indeed, the virus may be transmitted from young, healthy adults to others who are more susceptible, including small children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Vaccination not only protects you but also contributes to herd immunity, which stops the virus from infecting other people in your community.
Myth 3: “It’s Not Worth Getting the Flu Shot Because It Doesn’t Work.”
Fact: Although the efficacy of the flu shot varies from year to year, it nevertheless offers protection even in cases when the vaccine isn’t a perfect match for the strains that are circulating.
Depending on how closely the vaccination matches the virus, studies have shown that the flu shot may lower the chance of becoming sick by 40% to 60%.
Even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, you are less likely to have serious side effects like pneumonia or hospitalization, and your symptoms will probably be less severe.
Myth 4: “The Vaccine Is Not Required Because the Flu Is Just a Bad Cold”
Fact: Compared to the typical cold, the flu is much more dangerous. Although respiratory symptoms are common in both illnesses, the flu frequently strikes suddenly and can cause serious complications, including sinus infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, and even death, especially in susceptible groups like the elderly, young children, and people with long-term medical conditions.
Receiving the flu vaccination lowers the chance of complications and lessens the intensity and length of the disease.
Myth 5: “An annual flu shot is not necessary.”
Fact: Every year, new strains of flu viruses are created by a process called antigenic drift, in which little changes in the virus cause it to alter. You must get a new vaccination every flu season to guarantee protection since the vaccine is changed every year to reflect the strains that are most prevalent that year.
Additionally, a yearly flu shot is required to maintain proper protection since immunity from the vaccine wanes with time.
Myth 6: “There Are Serious Side Effects from the Flu Shot”
Fact: The majority of individuals do not have any adverse reactions to the flu vaccination, and those who do tend to be minor and transient. Muscle pains, headaches, low-grade fever, and injection site discomfort, redness, or edema are typical adverse effects.
Usually, these symptoms disappear in a day or two.
It is quite uncommon for the flu vaccination to cause severe adverse responses. The flu vaccination is safe for most individuals, but if you have a history of severe allergies, see your doctor.
Myth 7: “I Can’t Get the Flu Shot Because I Have an Egg Allergy”
Fact: Newer vaccinations are available for those who are allergic to eggs, even though certain flu shots are created using egg-based technology. For instance, the recombinant flu vaccination is safe for those with egg allergies since it is not manufactured with eggs.
You can get the normal flu vaccination even if you have a moderate egg allergy. Although severe responses are uncommon, the CDC advises that people with egg allergies be monitored for 15 minutes after vaccination.
Myth 8: “It doesn’t work because I still got the flu after getting the shot last year.”
Fact: No vaccination is 100% effective, but the flu shot greatly lowers your chance of contracting the illness. After receiving a vaccination, you might still get the flu for a number of reasons:
Timing: After getting the flu vaccination, your body needs about two weeks to build immunity. You might still get unwell if you come into contact with the virus soon after receiving your immunization.
Mismatched viruses: Although it still provides some protection, the flu vaccination sometimes doesn’t precisely match the viruses that are in circulation.
Immune System Weakness: People with compromised immune systems could not react to the immunization as strongly.
Even in these situations, vaccinated people often had less severe symptoms and a shorter illness duration than unvaccinated people.
Myth 9: “There Are Dangerous Substances in the Flu Shot”
Fact: The flu vaccination is made with safe, well tested substances. Thimerosal, a preservative based on mercury that keeps multi-dose vials from becoming contaminated, is present in trace levels in certain flu shots.
Thimerosal has been well investigated and is regarded as safe despite reservations.
There are several flu shots available without thimerosal for anyone who would rather not use this preservative.
Myth 10: “Vaccines Are Not as Effective as Natural Immunity”
Fact: Although contracting the flu may result in immunity against that specific strain, the dangers of flu-related problems far exceed the advantages of developing a natural immunity. Particularly in susceptible populations, influenza may result in serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.
A better alternative to running the danger of being infected with the flu virus is to get vaccinated.
Myth 11: “I don’t need to worry about other precautions because I got the flu shot.”
Fact: Although the flu vaccination is a crucial component of flu protection, you should take other precautions as well. Minimizing the transmission of the flu virus requires good hygiene habits, including regular hand washing, avoiding close contact with ill people, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
The greatest protection is provided by vaccination in conjunction with these preventative actions.
Myth 12: “If I’ve already had the flu this season, I don’t need the shot.”
Fact: There are several strains of the influenza virus that cause the flu, and contracting one strain does not make you immune to others. Even if you have previously experienced the flu, it is still advantageous to be vaccinated since the vaccine protects against many types that are predicted to circulate annually.
In conclusion
Dispelling these widespread misconceptions about the flu vaccine is essential to raising awareness of the value of immunization. Protecting yourself and your community against the potentially serious effects of influenza may be done safely and effectively with the flu vaccination. You may take precautions against the flu and make educated choices about your health by clearing up myths and depending on the truth.