6 myths and facts about the flu

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The fall is in the air and so begins the annual flu season. While influenza – or the flu – is more serious for older Americans and people with certain chronic diseases, influenza can affect people of all ages and lead to hospitalizations, significant health complications and even death.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 35 million cases of influenza are expected this year, starting in October and continuing until May. Peak months usually go from December to February, but the best time to prevent the onset of flu is before it starts.

Most people have probably already had the flu – with symptoms such as a constant cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue – but many myths and misconceptions remain. To combat common misconceptions and help clarify why flu vaccination is important, Dr. Mayrene Hernandez, Director of Medical Services at UnitedHealthcare Florida, shares six of the most common myths and facts:

Myth: Flu shots do not really work.

Made: The flu vaccine reduces the risk of contracting and spreading the disease by up to 60%, according to the CDC. The effectiveness of the vaccine depends on many factors – including the time between vaccination and exposure to the disease, your age and your health – and yet, studies show that influenza vaccination benefits the public health in general, especially when the vaccine matches that of this year. circulating virus.

Myth: I was vaccinated last year, so I should be good for this year too.

Made: The influenza virus changes every year, so influenza vaccines change to keep pace. In addition, the body's immune response to influenza vaccine decreases over time, meaning that an annual vaccination is the best option.

Myth: I am exercising and eating well, so I do not need to get vaccinated.

MadeIt is true that being healthy can help you recover more quickly from your illness, but that will not prevent you from contracting or spreading the flu virus. Even healthy people can become infected and transmit the influenza virus without symptoms.

Myth: Influenza vaccine is only needed for the very young and the elderly.

MadeThe CDC recommends influenza vaccine every six months and as early as possible in the fall or early winter. Getting vaccinated later in the flu season – until January or even later – can always be beneficial. It is important for children to start early in the season as two doses of the vaccine may be needed, with injections given at least four weeks apart.

Myth: The influenza vaccine causes significant side effects.

Made: The flu vaccine does not cause harmful side effects. Some may have mild side effects, such as pain, redness or swelling where the shot was administered, mild fever or minor pain, but they are usually short-lived. Plus, you do not have to worry about changing your treatment routine because the vaccine does not interact with other medications.

Myth: Catching the flu is not so serious.

Made: The CDC reports that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu complications each year, while 36,000 die of it. Reducing the risk of flu is especially important for people with certain health problems, such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease. and for pregnant women, young children, and people 65 and older. Even for people without these complications, flu symptoms can disrupt work, school, or social life for weeks or more.

Now is the time to get an influenza vaccine, considered preventative and covered in most cases by employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare and Medicaid-sponsored health plans. Vaccines are available from primary care physicians and community clinics. Visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/flu to search for a nearby health care provider based on your postal code.

Photo: The beginning of the fall also means the beginning of the flu season. Getting the flu shot is important, and the sooner the better.