Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Vaccine myths
Unfortunately, a bit of misinformation exists about the flu vaccine, so let us take a moment to clear up some of the myths to highlight its importance and ensure that you do all you can to protect yourself this upcoming flu season.
Myth No. 1: Getting the flu vaccine will give me the flu
Truth: You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. If you develop flulike symptoms after being vaccinated, it is likely because you had already contracted to virus prior to getting the vaccine, you caught the flu before your vaccine had taken full effect (about two weeks after receiving the shot), or you contracted a variant of the flu other than the one you were vaccinated for.
Myth No. 2: I’m healthy, so I don’t need a flu shot
Truth: Getting sick with the flu can absolutely make otherwise healthy people sick enough to miss a considerable amount of work or school. The flu is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization, especially for those who are already at higher risk of severe illness, including seniors.
Myth No. 3: I already got a flu shot last year, so I’m protected
Truth: Flu vaccines are recommended yearly, and here’s why. Not only does the effectiveness of the vaccine wane over time, the various strains of the flu that are circulating are constantly changing. Not only will last year’s flu vaccine likely not be strong enough anymore to protect you this year, but it’s also likely that it is not formulated to protect against this year’s strain anyway.
Myth No. 4: I can just wait to get the flu shot until the flu ramps up in my community
Truth: After receiving the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for it to offer its full protection. If you wait until the flu is already spreading in your community, you’re taking the chance that you could become infected during that two-week window instead of ensuring you are immunized from the get-go.
Myth No. 5: The flu vaccine alone is enough to protect me from getting the flu
Truth: While vaccination plays a key role in overall protection from the flu, additional lifestyle habits such as washing hands, maintaining proper nutrition, and avoiding others who are ill are no less important in protecting yourself against illness.
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