Myths and Facts about the Flu | Arthritis Information

 

Myth "The flu is just like a bad cold."

False Influenza (flu) is far more dangerous than a bad cold. It is a disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 226,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are over 65 years old. But small children less than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.

Myth "The shot can give you the flu."

 False Flu vaccines are made from killed influenza viruses. These viruses cannot give you the flu.

 
Myth "Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu."

 Maybe This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses that sometimes feel like the flu.

Myth "The vaccine isn't 100 percent effective, so I'm better off getting the flu."

False No vaccine is 100 percent effective. However, if you get a flu shot but still get the flu, you are likely to be far less sick than you would have been without the protection.

Myth "The side effects are worse than the flu."

False The worst side effect you're likely to get is a sore arm. The risk of a rare allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.

Myth "Not everyone can take the flu shot."

True If you are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine), are very ill with a high fever, or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, you might not be able to get this protection. Flu shots are safe for most people.

Myth "Only the very old and sick need the flu shot."

False Most adults and children over 6 months of age who are in good health can benefit from a flu shot. Even if you aren't at high risk of complications from influenza, a flu shot will help prevent you from getting the flu and protect everyone you live with and contact - especially those at high risk of complications.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

thanks!  That put to bed alot of questions.... my dad, an apparently healthy and robust man age 47 died from complications of the Hong Kong Flu, Jan 20 1969..

Myth "Even if I get a flu shot, I can still get the flu."

Maybe This can happen, but the flu shot usually protects most people from the flu. However, the flu shot will not protect you from other viruses that can cause illnesses that sometimes feel like the flu.

If this can happen then it's not a "myth"I nearly died from the Asian Flu in 1957. We lived way out in the Minnesota boonies, it was the middle of winter, and it was 40 miles to the nearest hospital. My Mom tells me I was totally delirious with nearly a 105 fever at the time I was admitted. I don't remember much except waking up in the hospital and seeing a nurse with a huge shot of penicillin in her hand. I wound up with pneumonia as well, and had to stay in the hospital for two weeks. The flu is definitely nothing to mess with.
Kathy - so sorry about your Dad. I remeber the Asian Flu in 1957 as well. I have to wonder if the vaccine advisory board of the CDC has ties to the drug companies that make these vaccines.   I always get my shot.  I always feel relief afterward
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