The flu myths
The flu myths
Myth: I waited too long. It isn’t worth it anymore for me to get the flu shot.
Fact: Flu season still has many a week to thrive. It typically lasts from December through March. Getting a flu shot now will protect you for the rest of the season.
Myth: I already had the flu this season, so I don’t need a flu shot.
Fact: If you’ve had the flu, you’ll be protected from that strain, but several other strains abound. The flu shot protects against three.
Myth: My kid stayed home sick with the flu today, so I got a flu shot.
Fact: The flu vaccine doesn’t protect you same-day. It takes two weeks to reach maximum effectiveness for the season.
Myth: I didn’t get the flu shot, because it could give me the flu.
Fact: The flu shot does not give you the flu. The vaccine has a dead — inactive — virus, so it can’t make you sick.
Myth: I hate needles. I’m too scared to get the flu shot.
Fact: Needle-fearing healthy folks ages 2 to 50 can get a nasal spray vaccine, which has a weakened virus. The virus is so weak, you can’t get sick from it either.
Myth: I had the flu, but I feel better today. I must not be contagious anymore.
Fact: You are contagious up to seven days after the start of your flu illness. You also are contagious 24 hours before you show symptoms.
Myth: I got the vaccine, so I won’t get the flu.
Fact: You could still get the flu even if you’ve had the vaccine. You’re a lot less likely to get it though.
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