Flu Shot Myth Busters
Fact: Seasonal influenza vaccination is the most important way to prevent seasonal influenza virus infections
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/vaccine_safety.htm
Myth # 1: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease
REALITY:Several studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease, overall better health, and a reduced risk of death from all causes.
Myth #2:It is too soon to be vaccinated
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH: It is too soon to be vaccinated
REALITY: Providers should offer as soon as vaccine becomes available (even if distribution is before
October).
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/acip/timing.htm
Myth #3:I cannot get the flu shot because I am allergic to eggs
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:I cannot get the flu shot because I am allergic to eggs
REALITY:
Those who are able to: • eat lightly cooked egg (e.g.,
scrambled eggs) • tolerate egg in baked
products without a severe reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of lips/tongue) are unlikely to react to vaccine. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011
Myth # 4: Washing hands frequently is just as effective as the flu shot prevent the flu
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:Washing hands frequently is just as effective as the flu shot to prevent the flu
REALITY:
The number one way to prevent getting the flu is to get a flu shot. That way you’re building up your own protection and antibodies.
Myth # 5:The flu shot increases the chances of getting the flu.
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:
The flu shot increases the chances of getting the flu
REALITY:• The influenza vaccine is made
from inactive flu viruses, so it cannot ‘give’ you the flu.
• The flu shot triggers an immune response.
• Vaccines can have side effects: – Low-grade fever – Muscle aches – Irritated eyes – Soreness at injection site.
Myth 6: The flu vaccine is only for people who are at high risk**High-risk=elderly, young children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH: The flu vaccine is only for people who are at high risk
REALITY:
Even young, healthy people can become severely ill with flu.Vaccination is critical to protect not just you, but the people around you.
Myth #7: I got vaccinated last year, so I don't need to get vaccinated this year
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:I got vaccinated last year, so I don't need to get vaccinated this year
REALITY:The flu virus strains virus change every year. It is important to get vaccinated every year to help protect yourself.
Myth #8: The flu is just a bad cold
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:
The flu is just a bad cold
REALITY:
Colds do not usually result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization.No vaccine can prevent a cold.
Myth #9: Stomach flu is a type of influenza
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:
Stomach flu is a type of influenza
REALITY:
The flu is a respiratory infection with symptoms that can affect the entire body and not a stomach or intestinal illness.
Myth #10: Young, healthy people don't need to be vaccinated; the flu is only dangerous for infants and the elderly
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:Young, healthy people don't need to be vaccinated; the flu is only dangerous for infants and the elderly
REALITY:• If you get the flu, it can
be spread to others even if you don’t feel sick.
• By getting vaccinated, you help protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu.
Myth #11: I already got the flu this year, so I won’t bother getting vaccinated because I can't get it again
Flu Shot Myth Busters
MYTH:I already got the flu this year, so I won’t bother getting vaccinated because I can't get it again
REALITY:
• 100s of different types of flu viruses circulate at any given time.
• If you get the flu once, you only have protection from that specific type of flu.
Flu Shot Facts
• Health care workers who get vaccinated help to reduce the following: – transmission of influenza– staff illness and absenteeism– influenza-related illness and death, especially
among people at increased risk for severe influenza illness
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/healthcareworkers.htm
What are everyday actions to stop the spread of germs? • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Throw tissues in the trash after you use them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
• While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Top Related