Myths and Facts
There are lots of myths associated with the flu and the flu vaccine and it’s good to be aware of them so you can pass the information onto your customers. Let's take a look at the common ones - you may have heard these from friends/family and even from your customers. Click on each of the statements below which will reveal if it's a myth or a fact...
- The injected flu vaccine contains inactivated flu viruses.
- Some people may experience a slight temperature or muscle aches or their arm may be a bit sore.
- Other reactions are very rare.
- The nasal spray flu vaccination contains live but weakened flu viruses.
- It's really not!
- Symptoms can come on very suddenly.
- Symptoms include: headache, fever, chills, aching muscles as well as a cough and sore throat.
- Flu can be debilitating.
- Complications from flu can be serious and potentially fatal in vulnerable patients.
- Flu is caused by a virus.
- Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections.
- Some people may be prescribed an antiviral; which don’t cure flu but can make someone less infectious to others.
You need to have the flu vaccination every year
- The viruses causing flu can change every year.
- You need a vaccination that matches the new viruses each year.
- A flu vaccination provides protection against flu for the duration of that year’s flu season.
- Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing complications if they get the flu.
- They should have a flu vaccination regardless of what stage they are in their pregnancy.
- Flu vaccination can also protect the baby against flu after they are born and during the first few months of life.
- You should take up the offer of the flu vaccine when it becomes available.
- The best time to have it is from the beginning of October to the end of November.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated after this.
- “At risk" groups, should get vaccinated (we will cover this later in the module).
- Flu can be caused by several viruses.
- A person could go on to the catch another strain so it is recommended they have the vaccine even if they have recently had flu.
- The nasal spray flu vaccine is recommended for all healthy 2 and 3 year olds and school aged children in reception and school years 1 to 5.
- It is also recommended for children with a pre-exisiting illness such as a respiratory or neurological condition and children having treatment that weakens their immune system such as chemotheraphy.
- The flu vaccine is given as an injection in children aged 6 months to 2 years and a nasal spray from 2 to 17.