Although people have been talking about flu season since late October, the virus actually peaks in January and February in the United States. As many as 20% of Americans get sick with the flu each year but there are still many myths and rumors circulating around about this miserable illness. LA Medical believes it is important to make sure you know the truth about the flu virus and what you can do to prevent yourself from catching it.
1. You can catch the flu from the flu shot151
No matter how many times experts debunk this myth; many people refuse to get a flu shot each year. Flu vaccines are made from dead viral particles. Since the virus is not living, it cannot make you sick. The nasal-spray version of the vaccine contains a crippled version of a live virus but it still cannot make you sick. It takes two weeks for your body to form antibodies to the flu vaccine so there is still a chance you will get sick during that time, but don’t blame the shot.
2. The flu causes digestive problems
Although flu symptoms are miserable, gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely included. The stomach flu is a group of viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea but these viruses are not influenza. Some sufferers do experience nausea and vomiting, however. But if these are your primary symptoms, it is probably not the flu.
3. Young, healthy people don’t need to worry about getting the flu
Influenza is most threatening to children, the elderly, and people with other illnesses. However, generally healthy people can still get the symptoms. For this reason, the CDC recommends that everyone get the shot early in the flu season. Even if you aren’t in the high-risk group of people, the vaccination can stop you from transmitting the illness to more vulnerable people.
Flu season happens every year and chances are you won’t be able to avoid it forever. Protect yourself by getting an annual flu shot. Not only will the vaccine protect you, but also those around you. If you are or are going to be interacting with young children or elderly people, it is important that you get vaccinated as well. LA Medical wants you to stay healthy this flu season and all year long!