Flu: Fact vs. Fiction - Families Fighting Flu

Know the facts....

Myth #1: You can get the flu from the flu vaccine.: FALSE - This is impossible. The flu vaccine does not actually carry a live virus; it contains inactivated or weakened organisms. Vaccine manufacturers grow the flu virus in eggs, then cleanse and chemically treat the virus to deactivate it.
Myth #2: The flu is just a bad cold.: FALSE - The flu is a serious disease. It is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). In the United States, about 200,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die each year because of the flu. Influenza kills more Americans every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined.
Myth #3: It is not necessary for children to receive a flu vaccination.: FALSE - Children are two-to-three times more likely to develop influenza than adults because of their less-developed immune systems. More than 20,000 children under the age of five are hospitalized due to the flu each year. In addition, influenza kills nearly 100 American children under five years of age every year.

In February 2008, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) expanded its influenza vaccination recommendations to include all children ages six months through 18 years. Previous recommendations included all children aged six months to 59 months. This new recommendation means that all children ages six months up to 19 years should receive a flu vaccine every year.
Myth #4: The side effects of the vaccine are worse than the flu itself.: FALSE - Most people who get the flu shot have no reaction. Up to 25 percent may have some redness and slight swelling at the site of injection; the risk of a severe allergic reaction in those who receive a vaccination is less than one in four million.
Myth #5: You must be vaccinated in the Fall to be protected against the flu.: FALSE - The flu vaccine can be given before and during the flu season. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May.
Myth #6: Only older people need the flu vaccine.: FALSE - People who fall within the high risk and recommended groups should get the flu vaccine, including the elderly, as well as all people who want to reduce their risk of contracting the flu.
Myth #7: Taking vitamin C or Echinacea will prevent the flu.: FALSE - There is no conclusive evidence that these treatments are effective against the flu.
Myth #8: The flu vaccine is 100 percent effective in preventing the flu.: FALSE - Although influenza vaccination is not 100 percent effective, it's important that everyone get vaccinated against the flu, including kids, parents, grandparents and other household contacts, to help reduce the spread of the virus in the community. The more people who get vaccinated against the flu every year, the lower the risk of catching the flu.
Myth #9: Getting the influenza vaccine every year isn't necessary.: FALSE - The vaccination needs to be given every year. The flu virus mutates from year to year, so a vaccination from last season is ineffective against this year's strains.
Myth #10: Healthy people don't need a flu vaccine.: FALSE - The CDC recommends that all individuals, including school-aged children, who want to reduce their risk of becoming ill with the flu or transmitting it to their loved ones get vaccinated - every year.