8 flu shot myths debunked
November 26, 2014 4:44 AM
Here are eight common flu shot myths and information that employers can use to better educate their teams so they can make smarter decisions regarding their own health this winter:
Myth: Ive heard you can get the flu from the flu shot.
Truth: The vaccine is made from either an inactive flu virus or with no flu viruses at all. Its scientifically impossible to get the flu from a flu vaccine, says Alan Kohll, founder and CEO of wellness program vendor Total Wellness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are several reasons someone might get flu-like symptoms even after theyve been vaccinated, including exposure to the virus prior to being vaccinated, exposure to other nonflu viruses, or exposure to a flu virus not included in the vaccine.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: I dont need to get the flu shot every year.
Truth: Strains of the flu virus mutate and change from year to year, and each year the vaccine is formulated for the strains that are most likely to cause a virus. Since the shot varies from one year to the next, its recommended that you receive the vaccine annually. The CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: Im healthy and dont need a flu shot.
Truth: Anyone can become sick with the flu and experience serious complications. Older
people, young children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes,
heart disease, or kidney disease are at especially high risk from the flu, but kids, teens and adults who are active and healthy also can get the flu and become very ill from it, says theCDC .
Don't just get the flu shot for your health, but also for those around you, says Kohll.
[Image: Fotolia]
people, young children, pregnant women and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes,
heart disease, or kidney disease are at especially high risk from the flu, but kids, teens and adults who are active and healthy also can get the flu and become very ill from it, says the
Don't just get the flu shot for your health, but also for those around you, says Kohll.
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: I've heard I can have serious side effects as a result of getting a flu shot.
Truth: Life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare, according to the CDC. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If they do occur, it is within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. These reactions are more likely to occur among persons with a severe allergy to eggs, because the viruses used in most influenza vaccines are grown in hens eggs. While severe reactions are uncommon, employees should let their doctor, nurse, clinic, or pharmacist know if they have a history of allergy or severe reaction to flu vaccine or any part of flu vaccine, including eggs.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: I'm not eligible receive the flu shot.
Truth: Almost everyone who wants a flu shot is a candidate, says Kohll. According to the CDC, the only individuals who should not be vaccinated are children under six months of age and anyone with severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. People with an egg allergy, moderate-to-severe illness (with or without fever) and people with a history of GuillainBarré Syndrome should first consult their doctor before opting to receive the vaccine.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: Getting the flu isn't a big deal, so I don't really need the shot.
Truth: Aside from the short-term illness and missing work, flu can have very serious consequences. According to the CDC, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of 49,000.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
Myth: I cant get the flu shot because Im pregnant.
Truth: You want to put the health of your baby first. The CDC has a fact sheet about pregnancy and the flu vaccine, and its important for pregnant women to do research before opting to get the shot. The CDC notes that while the flu shot is safe for pregnant women, the nasal spray vaccine should not be given to women who are pregnant.
[Image: Fotolia]
[Image: Fotolia]
