Fact or Fiction?

13 Flu myths unveiled

Every year when the cold season begins, rumors and old flu myths pop back up. You’ve heard many of them before: “The flu shot gives you the flu” or “Only antibiotics can cure you.”

 

I know it may be hard to separate fact from fiction, so I brought here the top myths and misconceptions unveiled by One Medical, such as:

 

1. The flu shot will protect me against COVID-19: FICTION.

Each disease has its own vaccine.

 

2. It’s possible to get COVID-19 and flu at the same time: FACT.

Yes, you can be contaminated by both viruses at the same time.

 

3. Wearing a mask and practicing social distancing will also help slowing the spread of the flu: FACT.

Yes, they are both transmitted in the same way.

 

4. If you’re young and healthy, you don’t need the flu shot: FICTION.

Anyone can get it.

 

5. Children need a special flu shot: FICTION.

Starting at six months of age, children can get the seasonal flu shot.

 

6. You don’t need a flu shot if you’ve got one in the past: FICTION.

Every year the vaccine protects against different strains of the flu virus.

 

7. You need antibiotics to recover from the flu: FICTION.

Antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases caused by bacteria. Influenza is a virus, so antivirals can provide some help.

 

8. The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu: FACT.

 

9. The flu shot can give you the flu: FICTION.

The version of the influenza virus in the vaccine is either inactivated or not the virus at all (instead, it’s a substance designed to trick your body into thinking it’s the flu).

 

10. Pregnant women need a special flu shot: FICTION.

According to the CDC, all flu vaccinations are safe for pregnant women.

 

11. I should wait until flu season peaks to get vaccinated: FICTION.

It’s important to protect yourself against the flu before outbreaks begin, and it takes two weeks after getting the shot for your body to develop immunity to the virus.

 

12. Flu shots are expensive: FICTION.

Most health insurance plans will cover your flu shot as a preventive service. If your flu shot isn’t covered by insurance, though, most clinics and pharmacies will offer it at a low cost.

 

13. It’s too late to get my flu shot: FICTION.

It´s never too late. The flu virus may remain in circulation as late as May.

 

 

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