Dispelling 4 common myths about the flu shot
Knowledge is power, especially for immunocompromised patients like me
The weather is getting cooler, leaves are changing colors, and, yes, pumpkin-flavored everything is at our fingertips. Unfortunately, with the fall comes flu season. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter months, with most flu activity peaking between December and February.
When I visit my doctor during this time of year, we always discuss the flu. I’m not excited to be poked with yet another needle, but I know the vaccine is important to my health as someone with aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
My rare blood disorders make me immunocompromised, meaning my immune system is weakened. That makes me more susceptible to infections and illnesses such as the flu. Because I’m medically vulnerable, becoming sick with the flu or even a common cold could land me in the emergency room and potentially result in a hospital admission.
This year I stood in line at my local pharmacy to get my vaccination. As I waited, I noticed a board where myths about the flu shot were plastered. Some were things I’d always believed to be true. It helped me better understand what the vaccine involves.
Following are some common myths about the flu shot — and the facts. We should be aware of all of them.
1. Receiving the vaccine gives you the flu
The vaccine doesn’t give you the flu. As Kate Kirley, MD, director of chronic disease prevention at the American Medical Association, explains, “It’s not uncommon for people to have a low-grade fever or feel a little run down for a couple of days after they get their vaccine. That’s just their immune system responding to the vaccine and doing exactly what we want it to do.”
2. The flu isn’t a big deal
That’s false. The Mayo Clinic Health System website states, “You should take the flu seriously, regardless of your age or physical condition. It’s not a minor illness. … Infants and young children, people with chronic medical conditions, older adults, people who are pregnant and people who are obese see a higher rate of flu-related complications and death.”
3. I don’t need to get vaccinated until it’s peak flu season
The best time to receive the vaccine is in October, before peak flu season. The Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin health network notes, “Peak flu season is between December and January, but you should get your flu shot before the virus starts spreading in your community. Early fall is the best time to get your flu shot.”
4. I don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year
That’s false because immunity from the vaccine doesn’t last forever. Plus, the virus that causes the flu changes each year. According to Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, “The flu shot is slightly different each year because it is tailored to the most dominant strains of the virus. Getting a yearly flu shot will ensure you get the strongest, most up-to-date protection possible.”
With flu season here, it’s important to be knowledgeable about the vaccine so you can make an informed decision. The column’s purpose isn’t to force anyone to get the flu shot, but simply to share information. Knowledge is power.
Don’t forget to wash your hands. Stay healthy!
Note: PNH News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of PNH News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
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