Myth #1
I’m healthy. I don't need a flu shot.
Fact
We are all at risk for flu. Influenza is spread person-to-person, usually by coughing or sneezing. Occasionally the flu is spread by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your nose or mouth.
Myth #2
I’m not sick, so I can't make anyone else sick.
Fact
Even if you don’t have flu symptoms, you can transmit the virus to your family and co-workers. The flu is contagious one day before getting sick and up to seven days after getting sick. Children are infectious up to six days before getting sick. The best way to prevent the disease is to get vaccinated.
Myth #3
Everyone else has had a flu shot, so I don't need one.
Fact
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the flu is to get a vaccination. The CDC strongly recommends an annual flu vaccine for certain higher risk groups or those who come in contact with anyone in these groups. You can make a difference!
Myth #4
The flu shot isn’t safe.
Fact
The flu shot does not cause the flu. The flu shot contains inactivated viruses that cannot cause infection. Talk with your doctor about preservative-free vaccine if you have allergies or other health concerns about flu vaccine.
Myth #5
The Flu vaccine doesn’t work.
Fact
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine depends on the age and health of the person getting the shot. It also depends on the “match” between the virus strains in the vaccine and those viruses that are spreading.
Myth #6
If I get the flu, I can just take antibiotics.
Fact
The flu is a viral infection and cannot be treated by antibiotics. However, antibiotics may be useful in treating infectious complications of the flu.
