Myths and facts about influenza
Here's where you can get the real story when it comes to the flu. Click on the facts below to set the record straight.
MYTH: "...the flu is not that serious."
- Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes1
- Its symptoms, which can disrupt your work and social plans for up to 2 weeks,2 may include fever, headaches, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches1
- Each year on average, in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 die from influenza and its complications1
MYTH: "...I never get the flu."
- Even if you were immune to influenza strains circulating in the past, you may not be immune to new strains that emerge this season3
- The best way to help protect yourself from new influenza strains is to get vaccinated each fall4
MYTH: "...I'm willing to risk it."
Current guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that vaccination is recommended for people, including school-age children, who want to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or transmitting influenza to others, should they become infected.5 Vaccination is also recommended for the following higher-risk groups6:
- People aged 50 years or older
- All children between the ages of 6-months to 18 years*
- People with certain chronic medical conditions*
- All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months and adults aged 65 years or older
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
- Children aged 6 months*-18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
* Influenza vaccines are not currently approved for children under 6 months of age.
MYTH: "...it's for old people and young kids."
- The elderly and young children are just 2 of the groups considered to be at increased risk for complications from influenza,6 but influenza vaccination can benefit anyone over the age of 6 months
- From 5% to 20% of the US population develops influenza every year1
MYTH: "...I may be allergic to the vaccine."
- However, the influenza vaccine is not appropriate for those who have had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous influenza vaccination4
- Vaccination may not be appropriate if you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome4
- Ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions
MYTH: "...I might catch the flu from the vaccine."
- Injectable influenza vaccines are made from influenza viruses that have been killed, and a killed virus cannot give you influenza7
MYTH: "...my friend had the influenza shot, but still got the flu."
- While it's true that getting an influenza vaccination doesn't guarantee you won't become infected with influenza, the vaccine prevents influenza in about 70% to 90% of healthy people younger than age 657
- The effectiveness of influenza vaccine varies depending on 2 main factors: (1) your age and health status; and (2) the match between the virus strains in the vaccine and the strains in circulation3
MYTH: "...I've heard the side effects from the
shot are worse than the flu itself."
shot are worse than the flu itself."
- However, all vaccines have potential side effects. Most people who receive the influenza vaccine do not develop serious problems. The most common side effects of the vaccine include minor soreness or redness at the site of the shot and mild general symptoms. In some people, a vaccine, like any medicine, may cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions.7
MYTH: "...I missed the vaccination season."
- Although October and November are the recommended months for vaccination (because that's when influenza viruses begin to circulate), getting vaccinated later in the season (December through March) can still help protect you and your loved ones from influenza4
References:
- Questions & answers: Seasonal influenza. CDC Web site. www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Influenza: The disease. CDC Web site. www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Questions & answers: Seasonal flu vaccine. CDC Web site. www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. CDC Web site. www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
- 2007 ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccine. Presented at: National Influenza Vaccine Summit; April 19, 2007; Atlanta, GA.
- CDC. Prevention and control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines : recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR. 2009;58:1-54
- Questions & answers: Seasonal flu shot. CDC Web site. www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm. Accessed July 24, 2009.
