Contributor(s): Cullen Quigley

Every year, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu with tens of thousands of flu complications resulting in death. Since every flu season is different, the influenza has the ability to infect millions making it essential to receive the flu vaccine to protect yourself and others.

Battling the flu with over-the counter medication doesn’t always work or relieve flu-related complications. It’s important to understand how vaccines are the best method at flu prevention. According to the CDC, “ Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after the vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.”

•  Data sourced from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/10-flu-myths

Here are 5 Myths and 5 Facts about flu vaccinations:

1. MYTH: I will get the flu if I take the flu vaccine.

FACT: Vaccinations are essentially inactive viruses that can no longer transmit infection. However, they do create   antibodies to protect you from the current flu so if you happen to get sick after getting the vaccine, you already were set to be sick but it wasn’t from the vaccine.

2. MYTH: If I can get through a cold, I can get through the flu.

FACT: The flu is not a cold on steroids. Potentially the flu can be lethal due to unpredictable health related complications. The CDC states that it’s estimated that 12,000 to 56,000 people die each year due to the flu.

3. MYTH: I got the flu shot last year so I’m okay this year.

FACT: Influenza is a mutating infection that changes due to a variety of factors each year. Skipping the flu shot puts you at risk no matter the year.

4. MYTH: I’ll catch the flu if I go outside without a coat or have wet hair.

FACT: These have been both thoroughly debunked! The only way to catch the flu is to be infected with the virus.

5. MYTH: I never get sick so I’ll be fine.

FACT: The influenza doesn’t discriminate. Anyone is susceptible to getting the annual flu which is why healthcare professionals stress receiving the flu shot every year. 

Primary Health Solutions is fully equipped to protect you from this year’s influenza. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call us at 513-454-1111. 

• More information on flu vaccinations can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm