MYTHS ABOUT THE FLU VACCINE ROBERT J WINN
MYTHS
Every year around flu seasons, hundreds of people share their thoughts on the vaccine: why it’s not worth it, why it’ll just make you sick, and how they haven’t had one in twenty years and have never gotten ill. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding the flu vaccine, and vaccines in general, but most of them are just that: myths and misconceptions. Here are four of the most common ones, busted.
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THE FLU VACCINE GIVES YOU THE FLU In most versions of the flu shot, the virus in the shot is killed, which means it can’t infect you. The shot can cause a few minor side effects, which some people may mistake as the flu. These symptoms can include soreness, swelling or redness where the injection occurred, minor aches and a lowgrade fever lasting one to two days.
IT’S TOO EARLY OR LATE
Before the flu virus starts to make its rounds, you may think it’s too early to get the shot. Once everyone is already sick, you may feel that it’s too late. However, it’s actually never too early or too late to get vaccinated. Most locations begin carrying the vaccine in September and have it continuing into January. If the flu is prevalent where you live, January isn’t too late to get the vaccine. It’s better to be vaccinated at all, even if it’s later than usual.
FLU SHOTS ARE ONLY FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY Because children and the elderly population are those at the greatest risk of complications after contracting the flu, you may think that the vaccine is designed just to protect them. But, that isn’t the case. The flu vaccine is designed for people of all ages. One particular reason why young and middle adults should get the vaccine is that of herd immunity. Certain populations are unable to get the vaccine because of different immune system issues. You getting vaccinated also helps to protect the vulnerable communities that can’t.
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I STILL GOT THE FLU AFTER BEING VACCINATED, SO THE SHOT DOESN’T WORK
While the flu vaccine helps to protect you against getting the flu, it doesn’t completely prevent you from catching the virus. If you can still get the flu after being vaccinated, is there any point to getting it? There is. Even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, you’re less likely to have a severe case as the vaccine helps to reduce symptoms drastically. Getting vaccinated means you’re less likely to have to visit the emergency room and take an entire week off of work.