You may have heard of a few common myths and misconceptions about getting your annual flu shot. As the autumn and winter breeze rolls in, something else that we know and hate rolls through along with it – the flu.
Every day, false claims are made about the flu. More and more questions arise about internet-created “super-flu” vaccines and other scary flu shot myths that seem to transcend through various media channels.
Now, it’s time to debunk these myths once and for all. Getting your flu shot is not a scary thing, nor should it be strictly a seasonal thing. Maintaining your health care all season long should be your # 1 priority.
Let’s begin by debunking these flu shot myths one-by-one.
Myth # 1 – You Should Wait Until Winter To Have Your Flu Shot
Yes, the peak flu season is indeed between December and February. However, you can still catch the flu as early as October, not to mention all of the other months out of the year.
Many people believe in getting their flu vaccinations later so that they are protected longer. This can’t be more untrue. The flu is super contagious, and the flu virus preys on any cracks in your immune system to fester upon. The longer you wait to get vaccinated, the more exposed you are.
It’s never too early or too late to get your flu shot. Influenza season can last well into May, June, or even July. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, getting late protection is better than no protection.
Don’t become a perfect breeding ground for the flu virus. Get your flu shot.
Myth # 2 – You Can Get The Flu From The Flu Shot
This myth is probably the worst myth of all. The specific virus strain delivered in the flu vaccine is no longer active, so it can’t give you the flu!
The flu shot cannot give you the flu – period. This myth is easy to debunk once you through facts in the mix. However, the flu vaccine may trigger an immune response from your body, followed by some side effects.
These side effects may include:
- Redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
- Minute headaches
- Achy muscles
- Low-grade fever
- Mild fatigue
If you weigh out the pros and cons of getting a flu shot as opposed to experiencing the much less significant side effects of the flu vaccine, then it’s a no-brainer. Anyone would take a little soreness on their arm vs. sweating, coughing, and praying for it to be over any day of the week.
Myth # 3 – I Never Get The Flu, So I Don’t Need A Flu Vaccine
Unfortunately, getting a flu shot doesn’t mean that you are off the hook of ever getting the flu in the future. Flu virus strains can change and evolve over time, which entails that you’re at risk each year that you decide not to get vaccinated. Also, if you skip your annual flu shot, you can pass and carry germs to others.
Having the flu can leave you incapacitated for days or even a full week. Who wants to sit in bed with the flu during the holidays? No one, that’s who!
So if you’re browsing for “annual flu shot near me,” then look no further. Get your flu shot at The Medical Centre of Lehigh Acres now.
Myth # 4 – Catching The Flu Builds Your Immunity
This is a huge myth that needs immediate debunking. There is absolutely zero truth to this claim. Sitting around, waiting to catch the flu does not sound like a good time.
And, many are led to believe that catching the flu will boost your immunity more than getting a flu shot. The flu is a serious virus that can get pretty serious, especially for children and adults age 65 or older.
Getting vaccinated is always the safer route when it comes to the influenza virus. The flu vaccine protects you and those around you from getting sick. That’s something that you can feel safe and secure about! Ready to schedule your flu shot today? If you are, click here or keep reading.
Myth # 5 – Flu Shots Don’t Work
Indeed, the flu vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu after getting the flu vaccine. However, getting the flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of catching the flu.
According to reports from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), getting vaccinated reduces the chance of catching the flu up to 60%! Flu vaccinations also significantly reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization of children age 6 months or older (typically up to their 5th birthday) as well as the elderly, age 65 or older.
The CDC recommends that you get an annual flu shot to prevent from getting infected and infecting others. The science of vaccinations improves each year, which means that the odds are becoming more stacked in your favor.
Keep yourself and your loved ones protected from the flu virus. It also provides more materials and data for researchers to pinpoint specific flu strains! This means that by getting a flu shot, you’re not only protecting yourself, but you’re also helping science!
Get Your Flu Shot Now
The longer you wait to get your flu shot, then there will always be a higher risk that you’ll get infected. The flu virus is extremely contagious. Typically, you’re contagious from the very first day of having any symptoms. You remain infectious for up to 5-7 days after you start feeling sick.
You must receive the vaccine before you begin noticing the side effects so that you don’t get infected. If you are walking around with that uplifting holiday spirit and joy, then do everything that you can to keep it!
The flu will definitely take the pep out of your step, and we wouldn’t want that! You can spend your days typing in “flu shot near me” into your word browser to see CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, or other pharmacies offering flu shots.
You could go this route; however, the best option is to go to your family doctor.
Get a flu shot from the doctor that you trust to handle all of your non-emergency medical needs. Get your annual flu vaccine today at The Medical Centre of Lehigh Acres.
