Yep, it’s here. Cold and flu season.
Myth: You can get the flu from the vaccine.
Truth: The vaccine is made from an inactivated influenza virus that can’t transmit infection. If people get sick after getting a flu vaccination, they were going to get sick anyway.
Myth: Healthy people don’t need to be vaccinated.
Truth: Anyone can benefit from being vaccinated. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone older than six months, even healthy people who might spread the virus to others who are more vulnerable to complications from the virus.
Myth: You can’t spread the flu if you’re feeling fine.
Truth: Between 20% and 30% of people carrying the virus have no symptoms.
Myth: If you get the flu vaccination, you’re covered and don’t need to do anything else to protect yourself from the flu.
Truth: Even if you have had a vaccination, play it safe. Avoid contact with people who have the
flu, wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face.
Source: Harvard Medical School For all the attention that colds and flu get each year, many people still don’t fully understand these contagious conditions. It’s time to set the record straight so you can hopefully avoid getting sick.
