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Myths About the Flu

Published: Sunday, October 26, 2008

Influenza season is upon us (usually between December and March is considered flu season), and now is the time to start thinking about getting immunized. Each year, 10 to 20 percent of Americans fall ill, approximately 114,000 are hospitalized and more than 36,000 die from influenza and related complications.

Myth #1: The influenza is just a bad cold.
Fact: Influenza is caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, and it is much more serious than the common cold and can even cause life-threatening problems in some people. Each year approximately 114,000 Americans are hospitalized or die from influenza and its complications.

Symptoms of influenza, which usually begin one to four days after exposure, can be severe and can last for two weeks. Symptoms can include high fever, body aches, headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, dry cough and extreme fatigue.

Myth #2: The injectable influenza vaccine will give me influenza.
Fact: The recommended immunization for many people, including healthcare workers, is the injectable vaccine made from killed virus, so you cannot get the influenza from the influenza shot.

Immunization is 70 to 90 percent effective in healthy individuals who are younger than 65 years of age. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop immunity to influenza after the vaccination.

Myth #3: I don’t need to be immunized, I’m healthy.
Fact: Even healthy people can spread germs. Exposure from anyone and anywhere in the community is possible. In addition, unvaccinated people who are not sick can still spread the virus to others, including children and elderly. Most flu is spread from person to person via coughing and sneezing. However, it also can be spread from hands to the mouth or nose.

If you are sick, stay home, drink a lots of fluids and rest to avoid becoming more ill or passing it on to others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. And always wash your hands with soap, hot water and hand sanitizer gel.

Anyone is susceptible to developing the flu and passing it along to others. Immunization is the best way to prevent getting or spreading the influenza. An annual flu shot is the best way to keep you and your family safe.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms or to obtain additional information. To make an appointment with a doctor, call toll-free 1.877.UT.CARES (1.877.882.2737).