FACES OF INFLUENZA ® - American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program in Collaboration with sanofi pasteur

Find Out What Is Myth and What Is Fact When It Comes to Influenza

Myth:
Influenza is no more than a nuisance, much like the common cold, that cannot be prevented.

Fact:
Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a severe respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death.^1,10 Each year in the US, on average, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations.¹ Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3000 to a high of about 49,000 people.⁸ Combined with pneumonia, influenza is the nation’s eighth leading cause of death.⁹ You can help avoid getting influenza by getting vaccinated each year.¹

Myth:
You can get influenza from a flu shot.

Fact:
The flu shot does not contain the live virus so it is impossible to get influenza from the vaccine. Side effects may occur in some people, such as mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, or a low-grade fever. Vaccination is safe and effective, and the best way to help prevent influenza and its complications.¹

Myth:
Only the elderly are at risk for developing serious complications from the influenza virus.

Fact:
Influenza impacts people of all ages. However, a significant number of people in the US are at a higher risk for getting sick or developing serious complications from influenza.¹ Children typically experience the highest rates of influenza infection each year. They were hit particularly hard by the 2009 H1N1 virus, which was associated with most of the 341 influenza-related pediatric deaths reported by the CDC from late April 2009 through mid-May 2010.² However, typically, the elderly are hardest hit by seasonal influenza. About 90% of deaths caused by influenza and its complications occur among people 65 years of age and older.¹

Myth:
I missed the chance to get an influenza vaccination in the fall, so now I have to wait until next year.

Fact:
You and your loved ones can get vaccinated at any point during the influenza season. You should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available in the late summer or early fall. Even if you didn’t have a chance to get vaccinated early in the influenza season, immunization into the spring or as long as the influenza virus is in circulation can be beneficial. This is because in many seasons, influenza activity doesn’t peak until winter or early spring. In fact, as long as influenza viruses are in circulation, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated. For most adults, the vaccine can help protect against influenza within 2 weeks.¹ Talk to your health-care provider for more information about the importance of influenza vaccination. You can also click here to find a flu clinic near you.

Myth:
It is not necessary to get immunized against influenza every year if you were immunized in the past.

Fact:
The types of influenza viruses circulating in the community change from year to year. Because of this, a new vaccine is made each year to help protect against the current strains. Also, immunity to influenza viruses may wane after a year, so it is important to get vaccinated against influenza every year.¹

Myth:
People shouldn't be immunized against influenza if they are sick.

Fact:
Minor illnesses with or without fever should not prevent vaccination, especially in children with mild upper respiratory infections (colds) or upper respiratory allergies. In addition, vaccination is critically important for people with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease who have a higher risk for developing influenza-related complications. These individuals should be immunized each year. Individuals with severe allergies to eggs or those who have had a previous vaccine-associated allergic reaction should avoid immunization. Talk to your health-care provider for more information.¹

Myth:
I seem to get the stomach flu each year. My friend told me the influenza vaccine might prevent the stomach flu next year.

Fact:
Many common respiratory and stomach infections are often mistakenly referred to as "the flu." However, influenza is a severe respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death, for you or someone with whom you come into contact. Common symptoms of influenza infection include a high fever (101°F–102°F, or higher) that begins suddenly, sore throat, chills, cough, headache, and muscle aches. Influenza vaccine helps protect against influenza virus but not against viral gastroenteritis, often called the "stomach flu."¹

Myth:
The flu changes every year, so getting a flu shot will not protect me from getting sick.

Fact:
Influenza is unpredictable and viruses change throughout the year. That is why the composition of the influenza vaccine changes each year as well. Getting vaccinated annually is the best way to help protect against influenza. Even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, it will often offer some protection against a different, but related, strain that may begin to circulate in the community. This could mean milder illness or prevention of complications.¹ Visit the CDC Web site to learn more: www.cdc.gov/flu.