Myths about the Flu

Myth: I don't get the flu, so I don't need the flu shot.
The influenza vaccination is the single most effective measure for preventing the flu. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized annually from flu-related complications, and 36,000 people die from flu-related causes each year, making influenza the sixth leading cause of death. The flu vaccination not only protects you from influenza, but it also protects your family, friends and co-workers from potentially catching it from you.

Myth: Only those at high risk should get the flu vaccine.
For most people, getting a flu shot is recommended. Why? For one, the vaccination can help ensure that you won’t miss work, school and social activities because of the flu. For two, by protecting yourself from the flu, you’re also protecting others by not spreading it. Some people should not get the flu vaccine. These include people with severe egg allergy, a severe allergy to a vaccine component, and a severe reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of vaccine. Patients with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome should discuss the flu shot with their physician first.

Myth: You can get the flu from the vaccine.
The flu vaccine used at Cleveland Clinic does not contain a live flu virus, so you cannot catch the flu from a flu shot. Some people do experience mild soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site afterward. Rarely, you may experience fever or aches — typically soon after the shot and lasting one or two days. Severe problems such as serious allergic reactions are very rare, occurring in less than one in a million people. If you do get the flu, you are very likely to feel much sicker than you would from just getting the flu vaccine.

Myth: The seasonal flu vaccine protects against H1N1 flu (and, conversely, the H1N1 flu vaccine protects against seasonal flu).
H1N1 flu is a different strain than seasonal flu, so the seasonal flu shot will not protect against H1N1 flu and vice versa.

Myth: Eating pork and pork products will cause H1N1 flu.
H1N1, or swine, flu did originate in pigs but has moved to humans. Now the virus moves from person to person rather than from pig to person. Eating cooked pork and pork products cannot give you H1N1 flu.

Myth: After December, it's too late to get the vaccine.
The flu season extends all the way into the new year and typically into February and March. The best time to get the shot is September, but you can get a flu shot before or during flu season. Getting a flu shot in or after December may still protect you.

Myth: Having the flu already this season protects you from getting it again.
There are usually two types of flu during flu season: Influenza A and B. It is possible to be infected by both during the same season. Even if you’ve already had the flu, you should get a flu shot before you come down with another strain of flu.

Myth: I'm pregnant, so I don’t need the flu shot.
Because pregnant women are at higher risk of having complications from the flu, they should be vaccinated against influenza. Getting the flu shot is the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your baby against the flu. Remember, once your baby is born, he or she cannot get a flu shot for 6 months.

Myth: Avoiding sick people will prevent the flu.
No matter how hard you try, you may not be able to avoid the flu. Germs can be found on frequently touched surfaces, which is why washing your hands frequently can help prevent the spread of germs. Even if you spend flu season avoiding sick people, you still can catch the flu.

Myth: Only people who provide patient care need a vaccine.
While those who provide patient care are at a higher risk for getting — and then spreading — the flu, all people can contract and spread the virus, no matter what their career. It is important for all eligible people to get vaccinated so that together we can stop the flu.

Contact your doctor to discuss the flu vaccination for yourself and your family members.

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