Flu Myths And Facts, Part 1

It's that time of year again. Well, actually, it's been that time of the year for a while now, but right now we're in the thick of the flu season. A lot of misinformation goes around about the flu and the flu vaccine that never seems to go away, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. Here is my attempt to answer some of the most common questions about the flu, written as they might be asked.

Doesn't the flu vaccine *cause* the flu, not prevent it?. No. Yes, there is a bit of the flu virus in the vaccine but, like every other vaccine, the virus is dead or so weak that it couldn't possibly make you sick. Your immune system doesn't need much to develop a shield against something.

On a related note, there has been no definitive proof that vaccines cause autism or any other disorder in children. Some people think that certain ingredients such as thimerosal can cause problems, but this hasn't been found to be true. If you're really that concerned, you can ask your doctor about vaccines without that ingredient.

If I get the vaccine, do I still have to eat right/wash my hands/take other health precautions? Yes, you do. For one thing, the vaccines reduce your risk of getting the flu; they don't completely eliminate it. The vaccines don't work the same for everyone; people who already have a weakened immune system (the elderly or those with other illnesses) might not benefit from the vaccine as much as healthy people. Also, there are several strains of the virus that don't yet have a vaccine. Besides, don't you still want to avoid getting sick in other ways? Or getting anyone else sick? The flu is not the only thing that goes around this time of year.

If it doesn't work for everyone, what's the point in getting it? It's not that some people don't benefit at all from flu shots so much as that they don't benefit as much as the rest of the population. They do still benefit. Even if someone were to get the flu after the shot (it's not very common, but it happens), the symptoms won't be as severe. Either way, at least it's something.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the shot at all? Yes. Anyone who is allergic to eggs shouldn't get most flu vaccines because that's what they're made from. I say "most" because some of the more recent vaccinations don't contain eggs.

I can't get a shot! I hate needles! Trust me, you'll hate having the flu a lot more than getting a needle stick. Also, some vaccines come in the form of a nasal spray. Your doctor can tell you which is most appropriate for you. 

Continued in part 2.