With flu season right around the corner, many will flock to their local drug store or clinic to get the flu shot, while others will tout numerous myths about the vaccine.
When it comes down to it these myths are not only inaccurate, but they could prevent people from receiving a vaccine that they may need.
Some of these myths are most likely based on the nasal spray version of the vaccine, which contains a weakened version of the virus and may cause flu-like symptoms. Since most people get the flu shot, I will focus on that version of the vaccine.
The first thing that I always hear when talking about the flu shot is that “it’s giving me the influenza virus and I am going to get sick.” Unfortunately for the flu shot “haters” out there, the flu vaccine has a killed virus that cannot cause infection. (CDC) The only thing you will feel after a flu shot is some soreness in the location of the shot.
The flu shot does not give you immunity to every strand of the influenza virus, but it does help to combat the disease showing 60% effectiveness in research done by the Center for Disease Control and Infection.
Although that statistic may not seem like much to you, it is actually quite significant when you begin to think how quickly the flu spreads. If 60% of the cases could be prevented, then countless others could be prevented as a result.
Another common myth is that the vaccine will harm someone’s pregnancy. This is false, and in fact, is quite the opposite. With many scientifically inaccurate media stories linking autism to vaccines, many parents avoid vaccines in all cases.
The flu shot is actually very important for pregnant women as they are at an increased risk for flu complications such as pneumonia. Although the flu shot is recommended for pregnant woman, it is important to note that they should not use the nasal spray version.
Another claim that may not be as common is that the flu shot causes an allergic reaction to those with an egg allergy.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology have found that there is not enough egg protein in the vaccine to cause an allergic reaction. But, if you have an egg allergy and aren’t sold on this idea, then there is an egg-free version of the flu vaccine available.
But what if you end up getting the flu anyways? Well there are still benefits as studies show that the flu vaccine can help shorten your battle with the flu and lead to milder symptoms.
If you still believe the flu shot is useless, I hope you will at least wash your hands as much as possible during this flu season. Although it seems trivial, it is the best way to prevent the contraction and spread of the virus.
This flu season, beginning in October and lasting sometimes even through April, I will once again be getting my flu shot. Relying on scientific evidence over hearsay and media hype is the way to approach the flu shot.
Regardless of your opinion on vaccines, it is impossible to ignore the raw data of their necessity and success. If you come up to me and ask, “should I get the flu shot?” I will give you a resounding YES!
Zach Heppner
Viewpoints Editor