Flu Myths And Facts, Part 2

Sure, the flu is uncomfortable, but it's not really a big deal, right? Apparently you've never had the flu! It's a lot more than just the 'bad cold” some people think it is. You have awful body aches, you're congested, burning up with fever, coughing roughly ever 4.2 seconds (I just made that number up, but you get the point). “Being run over by a giant steam roller” is a much more accurate description for how you feel than “bad cold”. As if this weren't bad enough, the seasonal flu has been known to land about 200,000 people in the hospital each year, killing up 36,000 of those people. Yes, the flu is a lot more dangerous for people who are elderly or already have another serious condition, but young and healthy people are far from exempt. It can be very dangerous for babies and young children, so it's recommended that anyone who cares for a child or elderly person get the vaccine.

It's almost December; is it too late to get my shot this year? No. Depending on who you ask, the flu season could extend as far as March. The CDC does recommend getting the vaccine in October or whenever it becomes available, but you can still get it as late as January or February. It takes two weeks to "kick in", though, so get it as early as you can.

Isn't this just another way for "Big Pharma" to make money? 

Some say that a lot of the "flu-shot frenzy" comes from fear-mongering attempts by manufacturers designed only to sell medications. Maybe, but so what? That doesn't mean the vaccines won't help or make the flu any less dangerous. Get it or don't get it, it's up to you. 

I got a flu shot last year, so I'm covered. Right? No. The flu vaccine isn't like the ones for polio or measles you got when you were little. It doesn't build up antibodies for a lifetime; just for a year or so. A more accurate comparison could be the rabies shots you cat gets at the vet's office. The reason is the same reason scientists have had so much trouble creating an HIV vaccine-the virus is forever developing new strains that may or may not respond well to current forms of the vaccine. Supplies are created each year based on the particular form(s) going around, so they differ from year to year. Much progress is being made when it comes to both viruses, so there is hope on the horizon.

Can't I just take some antibiotics and be done with it? No. Antibiotics work for bacterial infections, not viral. 

I hear there's a shortage, so perhaps I should leave the vaccine for people who need it more. That's very noble of you but, fortunately, that shouldn't be a problem. The local health department will issue any advisories regarding shortages; if they do, you can make your decision then. 

For more information regarding the flu and flu vaccine, visit http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/top-13-flu-myths.