When it comes to flu shots, there are a lot of misconceptions, myths and outright fabrications about what the vaccine does and how it works. That’s why we wanted to take a few moments to share some of the cold, hard facts about how to protect yourself from the seasonal flu, getting your flu shot and why it’s so important.

The flu (influenza) is caused by a virus that is easily spread, and the virus and resulting complications kill about 36,000 people every year in the U.S. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to get a flu shot. The primary goal of the flu vaccine is to prevent a flu epidemic by keeping individuals from getting and spreading the virus. The more people who are vaccinated, the greater the protection.

How a flu vaccine protects you

One of the most common flu-shot myths is that the vaccine can cause the flu. The fact is, it’s impossible for a flu shot to cause the flu. When you get a flu vaccine, killed (inactivated) viruses are injected into your body. These can’t infect you, but they do cause your body to make antibodies to fight these flu strains. If you are exposed to the same strains later in the flu season, the antibodies will fight off the germs. There are many strains of the flu virus, and medical experts predict which strains are most likely to make people sick each year. Flu shots are made from these strains.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults should get a flu shot every year. It is extremely important to get a flu shot if you are at an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu. This includes people with:

• Long-term heart and lung conditions.
• Other serious health conditions, such as:
  • Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes.
  • Kidney or liver disorders.
  • Weakened immune system from disease or medical treatment. For example, people with HIV or AIDS, or those taking long-term steroids or medicines to treat cancer.
  • Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease.

Each year, it’s best to get a flu shot in late summer or early fall, ahead of the cold months that we, quite naturally, call “flu season.” You can get it at your healthcare provider’s office or a health clinic, and flu shots are often available at pharmacies and senior centers – workplaces often offer flu shots, too.

Quick flu facts

• The flu shot won’t give you the flu. The virus that is in the flu shot in inactive.
• The flu can be dangerous—even life-threatening. Every year, thousands of people die from flu complications.
• The flu is caused by a virus. It can’t be treated with antibiotics.
• Influenza is not the same as stomach flu, the 24-hour virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. The stomach flu most likely happens because of a GI (gastrointestinal) infection, not the flu.
• You need to get a flu shot each year.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC