FLU MYTHS CAN MAKE YOU SICK

Common flu myths keep many people from getting the flu protection they need:

Myth #1: The flu is just a bad cold.
FACT: A cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. In general, the flu is worse than a cold and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Unlike flu, colds generally do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections or hospitalization. No vaccine can yet prevent a cold, but the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu.

Myth #2: The flu vaccine is only for people who are at high risk.
FACT: Anyone exposed to the flu virus can get the flu. The virus is contagious and can spread easily among people. High-risk groups are typically defined as the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses. All people who are in close contact with those who are considered "high risk" are advised to get a flu vaccination to help protect themselves and others.

Myth #3: I got vaccinated last year, so I don't need to get vaccinated this year.
FACT: Last year's vaccination is unlikely to protect a person against influenza this year. One reason for this is a person's immunity after flu vaccination declines over the year after vaccination. A second reason is because flu viruses change continually, each year's flu vaccine is formulated to include currently circulating flu virus strains. It is important to get vaccinated every year to help protect yourself and others you come into contact with against the flu.

Myth #4: You can get the flu from the injected vaccine.
FACT: You cannot get the flu by receiving a flu shot. The injectable vaccine is composed of an inactivated (killed) virus that cannot cause disease. Minor side effects can occur such as low grade fever or achiness, but this is not the flu.

Myth #5: The flu cannot cause serious health complications or death.
FACT: In fact, in the United States there are about 36,000 influenza-related deaths annually. Flu and pneumonia together are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections.

Myth #6: There is no way for doctors to diagnose flu for sure.
FACT: A physician may diagnose flu based on symptoms and a physical exam. In addition, laboratory tests can confirm a flu diagnosis. The virus may be cultured from swabs of your deep nasal passages or throat, or blood tests may confirm a rise in your antibody to the virus, indicating a recent infection.

Myth #7: Health care workers younger than 65 years old don't need to get vaccinated against the flu.
FACT: People who can transmit flu to others at high risk for complications of the flu should get a yearly flu vaccination. This includes all health care workers, household contacts and out-of-home caregivers for those at high risk for complications of the flu.

Myth #8: Getting vaccinated after October or November is too late.
FACT: According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), flu activity can begin to increase as early as October or November but, in the majority of recent influenza seasons, has not reached peak levels until late December through early March. While the timing of flu activity can vary by region, flu vaccine administered after November is still likely to be beneficial.

Myth #9: Stomach flu is a certain type of flu.
FACT: People often use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but there are many other viruses, bacteria or even parasites that are more likely the cause of these symptoms. While vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling nauseated or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu—particularly in children—these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.

This publication is supported by an educational grant from Chiron.

Create Date: 10/14/05
Date Last Updated: 8/14/06