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.