Millions of people get affected by the flu each year, which is more dangerous than a bad cold since it may drastically disrupt your respiratory system, often resulting in life-threatening complications or even death. Even with the widespread availability of immunizations and the prevalence of the flu, there are still many unfounded myths that could endanger your health as well as the health of others.
Let's discuss some of the most common myths regarding the flu and provide you with the knowledge you need to be safe and well.
10. You're Just Sick of a Bad Cold
Many individuals believe that having the flu is similar to having a severe cold. However, that is untrue. The flu is far more severe, causing severe symptoms such a high fever, aches in the body, and significant exhaustion. In addition, it infrequently causes pneumonia, a dangerous condition.
9. The Vaccine for Flu Isn't Very Effective
Many people think that the flu shot isn't particularly effective. Research indicates that receiving a vaccination considerably reduces your risk of being gravely ill, requiring hospitalization, or worse, even though it's not 100% reliable. It is our greatest line of defense against the illness.
8. You Could Get the Flu From the Vaccine
The recurring fallacy is that receiving a flu vaccination will really cause you to contract the illness. It's just not true. An inactivated virus that cannot infect you is present in the vaccine. It's possible that the area where you had the injection is a bit sore, but that's simply a mild side effect and not the flu.
7. Early Flu Shot Administration Means It Will Wear Off
Some people fear that the protection from the vaccine may wear off if they receive it too early in the season. However, don't worry about the time. Even if you received the shot in early fall, once you're vaccinated, you're protected for the duration of the flu season.
6. The Vaccine from Last Year Is Sufficient
Since flu viruses are ever-changing, your vaccination from last year definitely won't keep you safe this year. To ensure that you are protected against the most recent strains, it is imperative that you receive a vaccination each year.
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5. You're Safe If You Live Until December
There's a misperception that if you avoid getting sick by December, you're immune. However, flu season can last far into spring, so vaccination and vigilance are still necessary throughout the whole season.
4. The Chance of Catching the Flu Increases in Cold Weather
Although the colder months do correspond with the flu season, the cold alone does not cause illness. The truth is that people spend more time indoors, in close quarters, during the winter, which makes it easier for the virus to spread.
3. One Kind of Influenza Is the "Stomach Flu"
It's likely that you've heard others call a stomach ailment the "stomach flu," but such term is inaccurate. It has nothing to do with the flu. Different viruses that affect your digestive system, as opposed to your respiratory system, are typically the cause of the stomach flu.
2. The Flu Shot Can Cause Autism in Children
Health professionals and scientific studies have disproved this fallacy numerous times. This is a dangerous notion that has no connection at all between autism and the flu vaccine.
1. The Flu Can Be Cured by Antibiotics
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses like the flu, despite the common belief that they may treat bacterial illnesses. Antibiotic resistance is a different issue entirely; using antibiotics for the flu won't make you feel better.