Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that betwixt three and 11 per centum of Americans get sick from the influenza. Some people only experience mild symptoms, but many others develop complications of the flu, some of which tin can be deadly. Because flu is so widespread and manifests differently in different people, myths about the influenza grow. Is what you hear true, or is there as well much misinformation floating around? Debunk the seven most common myths most influenza.

Myths Near the Flu

  1. "Getting Vaccinated Can Give Y'all the Flu"
    Co-ordinate to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, there is no mode the vaccine can brand you lot sick. Vaccines just contain a weakened or inactivated class of the influenza virus, which cannot infect you lot. The truth is that people often mistake the side effects of the vaccine for the affliction itself. Side furnishings of inoculation may experience similar mild symptoms of the flu, but soreness effectually the injection site is typically the only symptom people experience. Keep in mind that flu flavour (which by and large lasts from Oct to March) coincides with a time of yr when germs that cause colds and other respiratory illnesses are in the air. It is possible to get the vaccine and so go ill with a completely unrelated common cold virus within a few days.
  2. "At that place Is No Treatment for the Flu"
    There are four FDA-canonical antiviral drugs that are highly effective against the flu. Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is available in pill and liquid form, Relenza (zanamivir) comes in powder form, which is inhaled, Rapivab (peramivir) is administered intravenously, and Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil) is available in pill form. While these antiviral medications do not cure the viral infection, they tin minimize symptoms, reduce the amount of fourth dimension yous are sick past 1 or two days, and brand yous less contagious to others. Furthermore, early treatment can prevent complications of the flu, similar pneumonia, which can exist peculiarly dangerous for older adults. Information technology's all-time to take these drugs inside 48 hours of getting sick, so exercise not hesitate to make a medico'southward appointment if y'all or a loved one have symptoms of the flu.
  3. "Antibiotics Can Fight the Flu"
    Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections. Since influenza is a virus, antibiotics take no effect. Furthermore, overuse and misuse of antibiotics can result in reduced effectiveness confronting the bacteria they are actually intended to kill and fifty-fifty crusade "superbugs" that are entirely resistant to these treatments.
  4. "You Tin't Go the Influenza More than Than Once During Influenza Season"
    You lot tin can certainly contract the flu more once a year considering there are many different strains of the flu virus. There are two master types of flu, Type A and Type B, and there are also many different subtypes of each. It is possible that you could go infected with i strain and then another during a given season, particularly if y'all haven't been vaccinated and/or have a compromised immune system.
  5. "If You're Young and Healthy, You lot Don't Need to Get the Flu Vaccine"
    The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of historic period get vaccinated each flavor. Healthy adults are but as susceptible to the virus as other demographics, and vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. If you are caring for an aging loved i, simply getting them vaccinated simply provides some protection. You and other family members should likewise go the vaccine to avoid endangering their wellness and the wellness of other vulnerable individuals.
  6. "Common cold Weather Causes the Flu"
    The influenza virus actually circulates and infects people year-round. Opposite to popular belief, going exterior during winter without bundling up does not directly increase your risk of getting sick. Flu peaks in fall and wintertime for a few different reasons. Scientists speculate that the flu virus thrives in cooler, low-humidity environments. Of grade, during the colder months, people tend to spend more time cooped up indoors, making information technology easier for the virus to spread from person to person. Furthermore, less time spent outside means that nigh people experience drops in vitamin D production during winter that can weaken the immune arrangement. All these factors contribute to the timing of flu flavor, which is the same throughout the whole land, even in warmer states similar Florida.
  7. "If You Haven't Gotten a Flu Shot by Nov, It's Likewise Late"
    Flu season often peaks betwixt December and February, but the timing can vary. Some years heightened flu action has lasted until May. No matter how late it is, if you have non been vaccinated yet, get get it washed. You could spare yourself and your family a great deal of misery.

The Facts: How to Prevent Seasonal Influenza

Influenza spreads from person to person, often through droplets in the air, and y'all tin pass on the infection even before you begin feeling symptoms. An infected private is as well contagious for several days after the onset of symptoms. Infection tin can stem from a contagious person well-nigh you coughing, sneezing or talking, or even from touching a surface that the virus is on, like a telephone or doorknob, and then touching your rima oris or nose.

To avoid contracting and spreading the virus, use the following tips:

  • Clean your easily regularly with soap and water or an booze-based manus sanitizer. This is especially important later on you touch a sick person, common surfaces, used tissues or dirty laundry.
  • Individuals with the influenza should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when cough and sneezing to avert spreading the virus to others.
  • Immediately throw abroad tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person.
  • Once diagnosed, talk to a healthcare provider almost taking antiviral medication to prevent the virus from spreading to other family members, coworkers or friends.
  • Keep high-traffic surfaces similar bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs and children's toys make clean past regularly wiping them downwardly with a household disinfectant.
  • Do not share eating utensils, dishes or cups with a sick person. These items practice not demand to be cleaned separately, just they should not be shared without washing thoroughly showtime.
  • Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry detergent and tumble dry on a hot setting. Use a basket to send laundry prior to washing to forbid contaminating yourself.
  • Avert touching your optics, nose and mouth to minimize the likelihood of contracting the flu and other viral infections.