Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between iii and 11 percent of Americans go sick from the flu. Some people only experience mild symptoms, simply many others develop complications of the flu, some of which can be deadly. Because flu is then widespread and manifests differently in different people, myths near the flu grow. Is what you hear true, or is there too much misinformation floating effectually? Debunk the seven most common myths nigh influenza.

Myths About the Flu

  1. "Getting Vaccinated Can Give You the Influenza"
    According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, there is no manner the vaccine tin make you sick. Vaccines only contain a weakened or inactivated form of the influenza virus, which cannot infect you. The truth is that people ofttimes error the side furnishings of the vaccine for the affliction itself. Side furnishings of inoculation may feel like balmy symptoms of the flu, only soreness around the injection site is typically the only symptom people feel. Proceed in heed that flu flavour (which by and large lasts from Oct to March) coincides with a time of twelvemonth when germs that cause colds and other respiratory illnesses are in the air. Information technology is possible to get the vaccine and then get sick with a completely unrelated common cold virus inside a few days.
  2. "There Is No Treatment for the Flu"
    There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs that are highly constructive confronting the influenza. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available in pill and liquid form, Relenza (zanamivir) comes in powder form, which is inhaled, Rapivab (peramivir) is administered intravenously, and Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is available in pill class. While these antiviral medications do not cure the viral infection, they can minimize symptoms, reduce the amount of time you are sick past one or two days, and brand you less contagious to others. Furthermore, early treatment can prevent complications of the flu, like pneumonia, which can exist especially unsafe for older adults. Information technology's best to have these drugs inside 48 hours of getting sick, so do non hesitate to make a doctor's engagement if you lot or a loved ane have symptoms of the flu.
  3. "Antibiotics Can Fight the Flu"
    Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections. Since influenza is a virus, antibiotics have no effect. Furthermore, overuse and misuse of antibiotics tin result in reduced effectiveness against the bacteria they are actually intended to impale and even cause "superbugs" that are entirely resistant to these treatments.
  4. "You Tin can't Become the Flu More Than Once During Flu Season"
    Yous tin certainly contract the flu more than once a year because in that location are many dissimilar strains of the influenza virus. There are two main types of flu, Type A and Type B, and there are as well many different subtypes of each. It is possible that y'all could get infected with one strain and and then some other during a given season, especially if you haven't been vaccinated and/or have a compromised immune system.
  5. "If Y'all're Immature and Healthy, You Don't Demand to Get the Flu Vaccine"
    The CDC recommends that anybody over half-dozen months of age go vaccinated each season. Salubrious adults are just as susceptible to the virus as other demographics, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. If you are caring for an aging loved one, only getting them vaccinated only provides some protection. You and other family members should too get the vaccine to avoid endangering their health and the health of other vulnerable individuals.
  6. "Common cold Weather Causes the Flu"
    The influenza virus actually circulates and infects people year-round. Contrary to pop belief, going outside during wintertime without bundling upwardly does not directly increase your take chances of getting sick. Influenza peaks in fall and winter for a few different reasons. Scientists speculate that the flu virus thrives in cooler, depression-humidity environments. Of course, during the colder months, people tend to spend more time cooped up indoors, making it easier for the virus to spread from person to person. Furthermore, less time spent exterior means that most people experience drops in vitamin D production during winter that can weaken the allowed system. All these factors contribute to the timing of flu season, which is the same throughout the whole land, even in warmer states similar Florida.
  7. "If You Oasis't Gotten a Flu Shot by November, It's Besides Tardily"
    Flu season often peaks betwixt December and Feb, but the timing tin vary. Some years heightened flu activeness has lasted until May. No matter how late it is, if you take not been vaccinated yet, go get information technology done. Yous could spare yourself and your family a dandy deal of misery.

The Facts: How to Prevent Seasonal Influenza

Influenza spreads from person to person, often through droplets in the air, and you can pass on the infection even before you begin feeling symptoms. An infected individual is also contagious for several days after the onset of symptoms. Infection can stem from a contagious person most you cough, sneezing or talking, or fifty-fifty from touching a surface that the virus is on, similar a telephone or doorknob, and then touching your mouth or nose.

To avert contracting and spreading the virus, apply the post-obit tips:

  • Make clean your hands regularly with soap and h2o or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is particularly important later on you touch a sick person, common surfaces, used tissues or dirty laundry.
  • Individuals with the flu should embrace their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing and sneezing to avert spreading the virus to others.
  • Immediately throw away tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person.
  • Once diagnosed, talk to a healthcare provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the virus from spreading to other family unit members, coworkers or friends.
  • Keep loftier-traffic surfaces like bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs and children's toys make clean by regularly wiping them downward with a household disinfectant.
  • Do not share eating utensils, dishes or cups with a sick person. These items do not demand to be cleaned separately, but they should non be shared without washing thoroughly first.
  • Launder linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry detergent and tumble dry on a hot setting. Use a basket to send laundry prior to washing to prevent contaminating yourself.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to minimize the likelihood of contracting the influenza and other viral infections.