ROWLETT, TX (Dec. 18, 2014) As flu cases in North Texas continue to climb, Maria Sparks, infection control nurse at Lake Pointe Medical Center in Rowlett, breaks down five common myths associated with the flu shot.
MYTH #1 – “The flu shot can give you the flu.”
Flu vaccines are made from killed influenza viruses, which cannot give you the flu.
MYTH #2 – “The vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so I’m better off getting the flu.”
It is possible to still contract the flu even after the flu shot, but the chances are very unlikely. No vaccine is 100 percent effective; however, if you get a flu shot and still get the flu, your illness is likely to be less severe than it would have been if you skipped your flu shot. The flu is a disease of the lungs and can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the United States are hospitalized and about 20,000 people die because of the flu. So, you’re better off getting a flu shot even if you do get the flu.
MYTH #3 – “Only the old and sick need a flu shot.”
Both adults and children who are in good health need a flu shot to maintain it. Even if you aren’t at high risk of complications, you should still get the vaccine to protect others around you.
MYTH #4 – “The side effects are worse than the flu.”
The worst side effect you are likely to receive is a sore arm. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is far less than the risk of severe complications from influenza.
MYTH #5 – “It’s already December so it’s too late to get a flu shot.”
The flu shot can be given before or during flu season. While the best time to get it is in October or November, receiving it in December or even January is still recommended.
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