Five myths about the flu
The new year has arrived, and so has peak flu season. While flu – or influenza – is most serious for older Americans and people with certain chronic conditions, influenza can affect people of all ages and lead to hospitalizations, significant health complications and even death.
As many as 35 million flu cases are expected this year, starting last October and continuing into May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The peak months are December through February.
Most people have likely had the flu – with symptoms such as constant cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue . Here are five myths and facts that can help reduce the risk of catching the flu.
Myth: Flu shots don’t really work.
Fact: The flu vaccine reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the disease by up to 60 percent, according to the CDC. The vaccine’s effectiveness depends on multiple factors – including the amount of time between vaccination and exposure to the disease, your age and health status – yet studies show that the flu vaccination benefits public health, especially when the vaccine is matched to that year’s viruses.
Myth: I got vaccinated last year, so I should be good for this year, too.
Fact: The flu virus changes each year, so flu vaccines change to keep pace. Plus, the body’s immune response to a flu vaccine declines over time, which means a yearly vaccination is best.
Myth: I exercise and eat healthy, so I don’t need to get vaccinated.
Fact: It is true being healthy may help you recover from illness more quickly, but it won’t prevent you from getting or spreading the flu virus. Even healthy people can be infected and spread the flu virus without showing symptoms.
Myth: The flu vaccine is only necessary for the old and very young.
Fact: The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older. Getting vaccinated later in the flu season – through January or even after – can still be beneficial. It is important to start early in the season for children, as two doses of the vaccine may be necessary, with shots given at least 4 weeks apart.
Myth: Getting the flu is not that serious.
Fact: The CDC reports that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications each year, while 36,000 die from it. Reducing the risk of flu is especially important for people who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease; and for pregnant women, young children and people 65 and older.
Now is the time to get a flu vaccine, which is considered preventive and in most cases is covered through employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare and Medicaid health plans. Vaccines are available through primary care physicians and convenience care clinics.
Visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/flu to search for a nearby care provider based on your ZIP code.
Linda Britton, M.D., is southeast regional vice president and senior medical director for Unitedhealthcare.