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Fall has arrived in Iowa, and has the annual flu season. While flu – or influenza – is most serious for older people and some chronic conditions, influenza can affect people and lead to hospitalizations, significant health complications and even death.
As many as 35 million flu cases are expected this year, starting in October and continuing into May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The peak months are December through February.
Most people have had some fluids – with symptoms such as a constant cough, a throat, a runny or stuffy nose, aches, headaches and fatigue – yet many myths and misperceptions remain. Here are five myths and facts that can help you and your loved ones reduce the risk of catching flu.
Myth: Flu shots do not really work.
Fact: The vaccine reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the disease by up to 60 percent, according to the CDC. The vaccine is effective in many ways – including the amount of time between vaccination and exposure to the disease, your age and health status – yet studies show the flu vaccines public health, especially when the vaccine is well matched to that year's circulating viruses.
Myth: I got vaccinated last year, so I should be good for this year, too.
Fact: The flu virus changes each year, so flu vaccines change to keep pace. More, the body's immune response to a vaccine is over time, which means a yearly vaccination is the best option.
Myth: I exercise and eat healthy, so I do not need to get vaccinated.
Fact: It is true that you can not get enough of getting flu virus. Even healthy people can be infected and spread the virus.
Myth: The flu vaccine is only necessary for the old and very young.
Fact: The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older, ideally by the end of October. Getting vaccinated later in the world – or even after – can still be beneficial. It is important to start early in the child's life, as two doses of the vaccine may be necessary, with the shots given at least four weeks apart.
Myth: Getting the flu is not that serious.
Fact: The CDC reports that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu each year, while 36,000 die from it. Reducing the risk of influenza is particularly important for people who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease; and for pregnant women, young children 65 and older. Even for people without those complications, symptoms or disruptions, school or social life for several weeks or more.
Now is the time to get a vaccine, which is considered to be the most important and is covered by Medicare and Medicaid health plans. Vaccines are available through primary care and clinical care. Visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov
Dr. KellyAnn Light-McGroary is Chief Medical Officer with UnitedHealthcare.
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