Myths And Facts About The Flu
Influenza (flu) is a seasonal respiratory disease that is a lot more serious than most people give it credit for. The flu can be prevented by a safe and effective vaccine, but many people don’t take advantage of the vaccine available, due to the myths that surround flu and the flu shot. Here we look and dispel the more common myths.
Myth 1: Influenza Isn’t Serious
Fact: Flu is a killer. The death rate leaps during the flu season because of complications from the disease, particularly pneumonia. Most influenza-related deaths could be prevented by immunisation.
Myth 2: Prescription Drugs Are Better Than Nonprescription Drugs
Fact: Nonprescription cold and flu medications are just as safe and effective for cold and flu symptoms as prescription medications. In fact, they often have the same ingredients. Your pharmacist can help you select the best nonprescription medications for your symptoms.
Myth 3: Colds And The Flu Can Last Weeks If Not Treated
Fact: In otherwise healthy people, a cold or flu can last up to two weeks. You can take nonprescription medication to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, but contact a doctor if your symptoms get worse after five days or if they last longer than two weeks.
Myth 4: You Get Well Faster If You Take Antibiotics For Colds And Flu
Fact: There is no cure for a cold or flu. They are both caused by viruses and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Myth 5: Stay Warm And Dry To Avoid Getting A Cold Or The Flu
Fact: Colds and flu are spread directly from person to person, usually by touching hands, so washing your hands often can help you avoid getting the flu.
Myth 6: You Can Get The Flu From The Flu Shot
Fact: The shot is a killed-virus vaccine that can’t give you anything. A few people have a minor reaction to the vaccine that includes local discomfort and a mild fever for a day or two, but they don’t get the flu.
Myth 7: You Are More Likely To Die From The Shot Than From The Flu
Fact: The number of people who have a dangerous reaction is tiny – only one or two out of a million. The only people who should avoid flu shots, are those with serious allergic reactions to either eggs or prior flu shots and those with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The vaccine is safe, even for breastfeeding women and people with HIV.
Myth 8: Flu Shots Are Just For Old People
Fact: If you’re over 65, you should definitely be immunised. But a great many other people ought to get flu shots as well, including certain children. Groups at significant risk from influenza include residents of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities; adults and children with heart and lung disease, including asthma sufferers; adults and children with metabolic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, or suppressed immune systems; children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy; and pregnant women. Immunisation is also advisable for those in contact with high-risk individuals.
Myth 9: It’s Okay To Wait And See If There’s An Epidemic, Then Get The Flu Shot
Fact: It takes at least two weeks for immunity to develop, and sometimes up to four weeks is required.
Myth 10: I Don’t Need A Flu Shot If I Got One Last Year
Fact: Unfortunately, the immunity diminishes after several months. In addition, influenza viruses change regularly. If you’re not inoculated against what is expected to be this year’s strains, you’re at risk.
