YOU AND THE FLU
There is a lot of buzz about the flu shot. There are many opinions and myths that are passed around from person to person. Many people feel because they are healthy or have never had the flu they don’t need a flu vaccine. Getting the flu vaccine is not only to protect yourself but to protect others around you. If you have any interaction with children, the elderly, or are a health care worker then you need a flu vaccine in order to protect yourself as well as your loved ones.
Listed below are some common myths about the flu vaccine and information that dispels those myths! Make sure you are informed!
Myth #1: I can get the flu from the flu shot.
You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The flu vaccine that is in the injectable form contains a flu virus that is killed (inactivated), so it can’t cause the flu.
Myth #2: I can get the flu from the flu shot nasal formulation.
Unlike the injectable flu vaccine this formulation does contain the viruses in live form, but the viruses are in a weakened state. Since the viruses are in a weakened state they can’t cause the flu. Also, the viruses are cold-adapted so they can’t replicate anywhere but the nose.
Myth #3: It is better to get the flu than the flu vaccine.
NO WAY! The flu is no fun and can result in hospitalizations or even death in normal healthy individuals. Are you willing to take this risk? The costs associated with loss work and/or potential hospitalizations don’t fit anyone’s budget!
Myth #4: I don’t need a flu vaccine every year.
The protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time, so in order to have the most protection the CDC recommends receiving the vaccine every year. Each year the vaccine components are evaluated and projected to cover the flu strains that will be present that year.
Myth #5: Side effects from the shot are worse than getting the flu.
All you have to do is ask someone who has truly had the flu and they will dispel this myth. After getting the flu shot some people may experience redness, soreness, or swelling where the vaccine was injected. Sometimes people may experience a low grade fever or body aches for a day or two. After getting the nasal spray formulation patients sometimes experience a runny nose, cough, chills, tiredness, nasal congestion, sore throat, or headache for a short period of time. True flu symptoms have more severe reactions and can potentially lead to pneumonia and hospitalization, so it is still better to get the vaccine.
(Reference for myths: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm)
SO MUCH INFORMATION, SO LITTLE TIME.
Yes, it is important to get your flu shot when they first become available in the market, which is NOW! It takes 2 weeks after getting the vaccine to build up the proper antibody response, so don’t wait. If you have questions talk to your healthcare provider or stop by your Kroger Pharmacy – that’s what we are here for! http://www.kroger.com/pharmacy
Authors:
Kristie Robertson, Pharm D
Kroger Pharmacy Resident, annual flu shot recipient and administrator
Pheli Robert, RPh, Pharm D
Kroger Pharmacist, mother of 4, annual flu shot recipient and administrator