Flu season can be considered synonymous to achy muscles, sore throat, nausea and headaches. Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory infection that spreads by cough and sneezes of an infected person. The flu virus(s) travels through the air and enters your body through the mouth or by inhaling the same air.
Now with the COVID-19 outbreak, people seem to be more concerned about their health and symptoms, which can create a sense of paranoia, leading them to give into and believe any information provided without making sure of its credibility.
When it comes to dealing with the flu and all the advices you get from family and friends, or even by drudging through the deep spaces of the internet about how to treat or avoid the illness, many of this information is often misleading or ambiguous. Understand that you need to be equipped with the right strategies and knowledge to get rid of the flu or manage your symptoms.
Here we differentiate the fact from fiction about the flu and what you might have known about the condition is not based on truth at all.
Myth #1: The flu isn’t that serious
Truth: Many people consider flu to be not that serious and that if they are healthy, they don’t need the flu shot. But that is far from the truth. Flu or influenza, often get confused by the common cold but it is a more serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and in some cases, even death. It is estimated by WHO that about 650,000 people die from influenza almost every year.
Healthy people can also get infected by the virus, especially those with a weak immune system. Flu can develop into serious complications like sinus, pneumonia, infections and heart inflammation.
Myth #2: The vaccine can give you the flu
Truth: The flu shot does not give the flu. The flu vaccines are made with an inactivated virus that simply cannot get you infected. You might experience some cold-like symptoms, but it is not the flu. This is a normal reaction after getting the shot which subsides within a day or two.
Myth #3: You can catch the flu by being in the cold weather
Truth: Being outside in the cold can only give you the cold, not necessarily the flu. The only way there is a chance for you to catch the flu is by being exposed to the influenza virus. People tend to associate the flu with cold as it coincides with the colder weather. However, you can’t the flu by being in the cold or wearing less protective clothing.
Myth #4: Getting vaccinated is a guarantee that you won’t get the flu
Truth: Getting a flu shot doesn’t mean you are entirely safe from the flu. Even after the vaccination, the flu still stands a chance to get into your body since the vaccine isn’t 100% effective. The silver lining, however, is that your recovery would be faster if you get infected even after the flu shot.
Myth #5: Pregnant women don’t need the flu shot
Truth: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant should especially get vaccinated for flu. Pregnant women due to their weakened immune system during pregnancy, are more at risk getting infected by the virus.
Getting the shot can even prevent the baby from the flu for months after he/she is born. This is helpful because infants are more likely to have serious complications from the flu.
Myth #6: Avoiding contact from sick people will save you from the flu
Truth: While staying away from people who do have the flu can be an approach, it is not always foolproof. It is safer to get the flu shot than have to keep dodging the people. Other ways to stay clear of the flu is to follow a healthy routine consisting of washing hands regularly and routine checkups.
