Flu season typically begins in early October and can continue as late as May. As we approach the 2022 flu season, providers across the country are preparing to ramp up influenza vaccine administration in an effort to reduce flu cases in their patient populations. Over 193 million doses were distributed during the 2021-2022 season, and this year around 180 million new doses are expected to be made available across the United States. While the flu is a vaccine-preventable illness, misconceptions and misinformation can cause people to skip their annual flu shot and put them at risk for contracting and spreading the virus. Addressing these common myths with your patients and helping them understand the facts around the flu and flu vaccine can help build vaccine confidence and increase immunization rates.
Myth 1 : The flu vaccine can give you the flu.
The flu vaccine cannot cause the flu illness. There are two methods of administering the flu vaccine: via needle (flu shot) or via nasal spray. Both of these vaccine types are created using either inactivated or weakened forms of the influenza virus, which are not strong enough to cause infection.
Myth 2: The flu is just a bad cold should not be considered a serious illness.
Despite common misconceptions, the flu can be far more serious than a bad cold. The CDC estimates that the flu resulted in as many as 41 million illnesses, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, the flu becomes significantly more dangerous when coupled with other health conditions. People with chronic illnesses, children, and women who are pregnant are protected from additional, potentially life-threatening health risks by receiving the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid being one of the millions of Americans who fall ill with the flu each year.
Myth 3: You do not need a flu shot every year.
While the flu vaccine is highly effective in protecting against the flu, that immunity decreases over time. Additionally, the vaccine is updated each year based on which variation is predicted to be most prevalent. The best way to ensure patients receive optimal protection from the virus is to receive their flu shot annually.
Myth 4: If you don’t feel sick, you cannot spread the flu.
According to the CDC, flu symptoms can begin about two days after infection, and most healthy adults are able to infect others one day before symptoms develop. This means it is possible to be contagious before you are aware you’ve contracted the flu.
Myth 5: Vaccination is the only measure you can take to protect yourself from the flu.
Many believe that receiving the flu vaccine is all that’s needed to prevent the flu. The vaccine is the best way to reduce risk of seasonal flu and potential complications, but positive health habits are just as important regardless of vaccination status. The CDC recommends several nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to fight the flu, including washing your hands, avoiding close contact with sick people, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Myth 6: Vaccines are dangerous and have the potential for serious side effects.
Every vaccine approved for public use is tested and evaluated by the FDA and recommended by the CDC. While it is possible to experience minor side effects or to have an allergic reaction, vaccines are not responsible for serious illnesses.
Armed with accurate information from healthcare providers, patients can make informed decisions about their medical care and receive the appropriate immunizations to protect themselves from vaccine-preventable illnesses like the flu.