1. Flu Vaccines Are Ineffective, Since They Don’t Absolutely Shield You From Getting the Flu
The flu shot works by prompting the physique to supply antibodies to guard in opposition to the contagious sickness. Whereas it’s true that the flu shot could not completely defend in opposition to contracting all types of the flu, it’s nonetheless an vital device.
A number of strains of the influenza virus flow into annually, and annually these widespread strains change. So vaccine builders base their formulation on their greatest predictions in regards to the strains that shall be dominant within the upcoming season.
“When it’s an ideal match, the shot works extraordinarily properly,” explains Megan Culler Freeman, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics within the infectious illness division at UPMC Kids’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. “However even when it’s not an ideal match, there’s normally some cross-protection, which implies when you do get the flu, it received’t be practically as extreme.”
2. The Flu Shot Can Give You the Flu
“The flu shot is produced from an inactive virus, so it’s unattainable for it to provide the flu,” says David Brill, DO, a doctor within the division of household drugs at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “It’s doable however not frequent to have a day of physique aches or not feeling properly after getting the shot, however that’s simply your immune system doing what it’s purported to be doing, and nothing in comparison with the precise flu.”
Security from the flu isn’t rapid, nevertheless. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop within the physique and so that you can grow to be protected. “It’s doable for somebody to get the shot after which catch the flu earlier than immunity kicks in,” notes Dr. Freeman. “However you’ll by no means get the flu due to the shot.”
3. As soon as Flu Season Begins, It’s Too Late to Get the Shot
However when you don’t make that deadline, don’t stress — and definitely don’t quit on the entire thought. The flu is unpredictable and seasons can fluctuate. “So long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s nonetheless price getting a flu shot,” says Dr. Brill.
4. It’s More healthy to Get the Flu and Let Your Immune System Do Its Job
Sadly, there’s nothing wholesome about getting the flu. “Folks can have fairly extreme and adverse outcomes from getting pure flu,” says Freeman.
Along with inflicting 7 to 10 days of full-on distress, influenza can result in extreme problems, comparable to pneumonia, irritation of the guts or mind, and even dying.
All components thought of, getting vaccinated is a a lot safer selection than getting sick.
5. Younger, Wholesome Folks Do Not Have to Fear Concerning the Flu
Whereas it’s true that the flu is most threatening to the very younger, the aged, and other people with underlying sicknesses or medical circumstances, the sickness could cause extreme signs in folks of any age.
Even wholesome kids and adults are liable to hospitalization or extreme problems from a bout of the flu, says Brill.
Additionally understand that you’re not simply getting the flu shot for your self but additionally for everybody round you. As extra folks get vaccinated, it turns into much less seemingly that influenza spreads. This idea known as “herd immunity.”
“It’s best to get a flu shot for Grandma or the older individual in line in entrance of you on the grocery retailer,” says Brill. You’ll be able to’t go alongside a virus when you by no means get it your self.
The Takeaway
- The CDC recommends that most individuals older than 6 months get the flu shot annually to guard in opposition to the virus inflicting severe sickness, requiring hospitalization, and even resulting in dying.
- Don’t let myths in regards to the flu vaccine deter you from defending your self. For example, the flu shot itself received’t provide the flu; usually wholesome folks don’t have pure safety; and so long as the flu remains to be circulating, it’s not too late to get the vaccine.
- Getting vaccinated doesn’t simply defend you — it additionally contributes to herd immunity, which helps to guard susceptible populations from extreme sickness.
