Flu Myths vs Facts
Think you know the flu? Every year, myths spread even faster than the virus itself — from claims like “the flu shot gives you the flu” to beliefs that “healthy people don’t need vaccines”. These misunderstandings can leave many people unprotected against an infection that causes millions of illnesses annually and can lead to serious complications for people of all ages.
Debunking these myths and focusing on science-based facts helps everyone make informed decisions and stay better protected throughout the flu season!
Myth: Flu is just a common cold; it is not that serious, so it isn’t necessary to get the vaccine.
Fact: The flu can lead to complications including sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, heart or brain inflammations.1
Myth: People do not need to get a flu vaccine if they are healthy.
Fact: Even healthy people can get the flu. The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.2
Myth: One flu shot is enough to protect me forever.
Fact: No. Annual vaccination is recommended for optimal protection as flu viruses change frequently, and the vaccine is updated every year to match the most common circulating strains. Effectiveness of inactivated influenza vaccine wanes during the course of a single season.3,4
Myth: : It is better to get sick with flu than to get a flu vaccine.
Fact: No. Flu can be a serious disease, particularly among young children, elderly and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking getting sick with flu to obtain immune protection.1
Myth: Being vaccinated mean I’m 100% protected from getting influenza
Fact: Being vaccinated against influenza does not mean you’re 100% protected from getting the flu. However, the annual flu vaccine can reduce your risk of serious illness if you get the flu and lessen the severity of flu. Influenza vaccination led to reduction in flu-related deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and ICU length of stay.5
Myth: The flu vaccine can give me the flu.
Fact: The injected flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot give you influenza. If you feel achy or slightly feverish, it is a normal reaction of the immune system to the vaccine and is generally mild and short-lasting.5
Myth: People who have received the COVID-19 vaccine do not need to get the flu vaccine.
Fact: The COVID-19 and flu viruses are different. The WHO recommends that both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are necessary to protect against both infections.6
Myth: The flu vaccine can cause many side effects, similar to the COVID-19 vaccine
Fact: Like any medical product, vaccines can cause side effects. Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days.7
- Common side effects from the flu shot include:
- Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
- Headache, Fever, Nausea, Muscle aches
