According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 115 influenza-associated deaths of people younger than 18, from September 2010 through August 2011. Of the 115 deaths, 88 percent had not received the flu shot. Influenza, the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by coming in contact with an influenza virus. Symptoms of the flu are similar to symptoms of a cold. It includes body aches, fever, chills, coughing, runny nose and headaches.
The best way to prevent the flu is by receiving a flu shot. However, many people decide to take a chance and avoid getting the flu shot due to a variety of myths surrounding the vaccine. Dr. Juan Fitz, assistant medical director of the emergency department at Covenant Medical Center, and Dr. Ray Smith, a family practitioner with Covenant Medical Group, set the record straight and discuss the importance of receiving an annual vaccination and rapid antiviral treatment.
Common Flu Myths:
1) MYTH: Flu vaccines can give you the flu.
TRUTH: This is untrue. Injected flu vaccines only contain dead virus, and a dead virus is well – dead Dr. Fitz said. It cannot infect you. There is one type of live virus flu vaccine, FluMist, the nasal vaccine. The vaccine is specially engineered and parts of the virus that make people sick are removed. Because flu season coincides during a time of year when various cold and respiratory illnesses are occurring, people get the vaccine and then within a couple of days get sick with an unrelated cold virus according to Dr. Smith.
2) MYTH: If you’re young and healthy, you do not need to worry about getting the vaccine.
TRUTH: While you are more likely to recover from the flu just fine, why would you want to risk getting sick? By getting the flu vaccine, you are also protecting the ones you love. Specifically, children and the elderly are more at risk for serious complications as a result of contracting the flu. Dr. Smith recommends children six months or older get the flu shot.
3) MYTH: You can skip years between flu vaccinations.
TRUTH: Flu season in the U.S. generally starts around September or October and ends in the spring. Vaccines produced each year help our immune system prepare to battle this virus before it hits. It is important to remember that flu shots should be administered every year because the vaccine lasts only six months.
4) MYTH: Vaccines are dangerous, because the ingredient thimerosal can lead to autism in children.
TRUTH: According to the CDC there is no evidence to support this claim. According to the Cochran Report, in 2010 there were 36 reports in the U.S. of people who had the flu shot and were diagnosed with autism. However, 65 people who did not have the flu shot were also diagnosed with autism. If you are concerned, there are thimersol-free flu vaccines available.
If you have not received the flu vaccine by November, do not think you’re too late to get one. You can get the flu vaccine as late as December or January. Flu season doesn’t peak until February or March. However, it takes six weeks for immunity after the shot is received according to Dr. Smith. He suggests receiving the shot sooner rather than later.
This season’s influenza vaccine protects against three influenza viruses, the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact your local physician first before visiting the emergency room. Only go to the ER if you are running a high fever, experiencing confusion and respiratory issues.