Top Ten Myths About The Flu Shot

It’s almost holiday time, which also means the dreaded flu season is also right around the corner. Millions of Americans ponder to themselves each year whether...

Myth #1: I don’t need the flu shot, I’m healthy enough already.

Healthy people are still prone to contracting those nasty flu germs. If you touch your face, eyes, nose, mouth, or eat something without washing your hands, you are at risk. People who are at the highest risk are people who work in a highly populated area, or if they continuously go to a lot of public places such as shopping malls, playgrounds, and restaurants.

Myth #2: Insurance doesn’t cover the flu shot

Despite what you may think, most insurance agencies do cover the flu shot. The Affordable Care Act requires many insurance carriers to cover certain preventive services, including the flu shot. Plus, you can always contact your insurance agency to double check if the flu shot is covered.

Myth #3: The flu shot protects me for up to a year.

Wrong! The flu shot is only good for about 6 months. Ideally you would receive your flu shot sometime in October, to stay protected throughout the entire winter. Note: peak flu months are December through February.

Myth #4: The flu shot will make me sick.

This is not a true statement. The typical side effect from a flu shot is a swollen sore spot for about a day or two at most. If you become sick after getting your flu shot, you were probably already infected before you even received your shot.

Myth #5: Swine flu can spread by eating pork.

You cannot contract the Swine Flu from eating pork meat. Swine Flu, like the regular flu, is transmitted through droplets and is passed along by direct contact of Swine Flu germs touching your hands and face.

Myth #6: The flu shot is only for the elderly.

Everyone is at risk for the flu, which means everyone should get the flu shot. Elderly people do tend to get sick more often than younger people so they should consider receiving the flu shot during non-peak flu season. Young children are also at risk of contracting the flu virus, and are also encouraged to get the flu shot, especially young children in school/daycare.

Myth #7: Antibiotics treat the flu.

The flu is a virus, which means that the flu is not treated by antibiotics. A common misconception about antibiotics is that they treat viruses, and many other types of sicknesses we suffer from over the winter. This is not true, antibiotics only treat bacterial infections!

Myth #8: It’s too late in the winter to get my flu shot.

Although October is ideally the best month to receive your flu shot, getting the flu shot late is better than not getting one at all! Late November/early December is still a good time to get flu shot to avoid getting the flu during the heavy winter months.

Myth #9: I get a flu shot every couple of years.

This is not a good idea. There are no reasons for skipping a vaccination. The flu vaccine only lasts about 6 months, which means getting your flu shot every few years will not protect you for in time for the next flu season.

Myth #10: If you get the flu, you can’t get it again.

Unfortunately, you will always be at risk to contracting the flu. Though some circumstances might come into play such as age or work environment, we’re all at risk for contracting the flu. You can even get it several times in one winter season! Your safest bet to protect yourself from the flu is to go out and get vaccinated!

If you ever have more questions or concerns about the Flu or the Flu vaccine, your online Doctor is always here to help answer any questions or concerns!