Each year, the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 3 and 11 percent of Americans go sick from the flu. Some people only experience mild symptoms, merely many others develop complications of the flu, some of which tin exist mortiferous. Because flu is and then widespread and manifests differently in different people, myths nigh the flu abound. Is what you hear truthful, or is there also much misinformation floating around? Debunk the seven virtually mutual myths about influenza.

Myths Virtually the Influenza

  1. "Getting Vaccinated Tin can Give You the Flu"
    According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, in that location is no way the vaccine can make y'all sick. Vaccines only contain a weakened or inactivated grade of the influenza virus, which cannot infect you. The truth is that people often fault the side effects of the vaccine for the illness itself. Side furnishings of inoculation may experience like mild symptoms of the flu, but soreness around the injection site is typically the just symptom people experience. Continue in mind that flu flavor (which generally lasts from October to March) coincides with a time of year when germs that cause colds and other respiratory illnesses are in the air. It is possible to go the vaccine and so become sick with a completely unrelated cold virus within a few days.
  2. "There Is No Treatment for the Flu"
    There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs that are highly effective against the flu. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available in pill and liquid course, Relenza (zanamivir) comes in powder course, which is inhaled, Rapivab (peramivir) is administered intravenously, and Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is available in pill form. While these antiviral medications do not cure the viral infection, they can minimize symptoms, reduce the amount of fourth dimension you are sick by one or two days, and make yous less contagious to others. Furthermore, early treatment can prevent complications of the flu, like pneumonia, which tin can be peculiarly unsafe for older adults. It'due south all-time to take these drugs within 48 hours of getting sick, so practise not hesitate to make a doctor'due south appointment if you or a loved one have symptoms of the influenza.
  3. "Antibiotics Can Fight the Flu"
    Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections. Since influenza is a virus, antibiotics have no outcome. Furthermore, overuse and misuse of antibiotics tin can issue in reduced effectiveness against the bacteria they are really intended to impale and even cause "superbugs" that are entirely resistant to these treatments.
  4. "You Tin't Get the Flu More Than Once During Flu Flavor"
    You can certainly contract the flu more than once a year because in that location are many different strains of the influenza virus. There are 2 primary types of flu, Blazon A and Type B, and there are besides many unlike subtypes of each. It is possible that you lot could get infected with one strain and then another during a given season, particularly if yous haven't been vaccinated and/or have a compromised allowed organisation.
  5. "If You're Young and Healthy, You lot Don't Need to Get the Flu Vaccine"
    The CDC recommends that anybody over half-dozen months of age go vaccinated each season. Good for you adults are just as susceptible to the virus every bit other demographics, and vaccination is the best style to preclude the flu. If you are caring for an crumbling loved one, simply getting them vaccinated simply provides some protection. You lot and other family members should likewise get the vaccine to avert endangering their health and the health of other vulnerable individuals.
  6. "Cold Atmospheric condition Causes the Flu"
    The influenza virus actually circulates and infects people year-round. Opposite to popular belief, going outside during winter without bundling upwards does non directly increase your risk of getting sick. Influenza peaks in autumn and wintertime for a few different reasons. Scientists speculate that the influenza virus thrives in cooler, low-humidity environments. Of course, during the colder months, people tend to spend more fourth dimension cooped up indoors, making it easier for the virus to spread from person to person. Furthermore, less time spent outside means that most people feel drops in vitamin D production during winter that can weaken the immune arrangement. All these factors contribute to the timing of flu season, which is the same throughout the whole country, fifty-fifty in warmer states like Florida.
  7. "If You Haven't Gotten a Flu Shot past November, It'south Too Late"
    Flu season oftentimes peaks between December and February, just the timing can vary. Some years heightened flu activity has lasted until May. No affair how late it is, if you accept not been vaccinated however, go go it washed. You could spare yourself and your family a great deal of misery.

The Facts: How to Foreclose Seasonal Flu

Influenza spreads from person to person, often through droplets in the air, and you tin can pass on the infection even before you begin feeling symptoms. An infected individual is as well contagious for several days later on the onset of symptoms. Infection can stalk from a contagious person near y'all coughing, sneezing or talking, or even from touching a surface that the virus is on, like a telephone or doorknob, and and then touching your mouth or nose.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, employ the following tips:

  • Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is especially important after you touch a sick person, common surfaces, used tissues or dirty laundry.
  • Individuals with the flu should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading the virus to others.
  • Immediately throw away tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person.
  • Once diagnosed, talk to a healthcare provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the virus from spreading to other family members, coworkers or friends.
  • Keep high-traffic surfaces like bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs and children'due south toys make clean past regularly wiping them downward with a household disinfectant.
  • Do non share eating utensils, dishes or cups with a sick person. These items practise not need to be cleaned separately, but they should not be shared without washing thoroughly start.
  • Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry detergent and tumble dry out on a hot setting. Use a basket to send laundry prior to washing to prevent contaminating yourself.
  • Avert touching your eyes, nose and oral cavity to minimize the likelihood of contracting the flu and other viral infections.