Anyone can get the flu, and up to 41 million people do in the US annually. Flu symptoms range from mild to life-threatening, yet only 44% of Americans get an annual flu shot as recommended by the CDC. People who don’t get a flu vaccine should reconsider, especially when the excuse is based on myths about the vaccine itself.
vybe is here to put some of the most common misconceptions about the flu and flu shot to rest. When you’re finished reading, you’ll be armed with accurate information, so you have a better chance of staying healthy this flu season. You can separate facts from fiction by being informed.
Let us help keep you safe from the flu and the rumors this flu season. Learn how you do and don’t get the flu, the importance of the flu shot, when to seek medical care, and more. By being informed, you can help keep you and your loved ones protected.
No! Flu shots are made from an inactive virus that can’t cause infection.
So, why do some people feel lousy after getting a flu shot? There are several possible reasons:
No! You can still catch the flu, but the flu shot will lessen the severity of your illness. Research shows that getting a flu shot lowers your risk of needing medical care by 40-60%.
However, you should still take the following precautions to protect yourself and others from the flu:
No! Antibiotics don’t treat viral infections like the flu. (Spoiler alert: they won’t treat a cold either.)
Antibiotics are effective against bacterial but not viral infections. In fact, taking antibiotics can make you feel worse and your flu sickness last longer. Antibiotics can also cause unpleasant side effects, like nausea, vomiting, or rashes.
You may be at risk for severe flu complications if you are over 65, have asthma, diabetes, or other pre-existing conditions. If you are a candidate, your vybe provider may prescribe antiviral drugs to help reduce your symptoms. These drugs can also shorten your illness by a few days. But antibiotics are not the answer for the flu.
No! The flu and the common cold are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by influenza virus, while colds can be caused by a number of different viruses (such as rhinovirus or RSV).
Flu generally has more severe symptoms than a cold, such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. Even similar symptoms between the two illnesses (cough, sore throat, runny nose, etc.) will likely last longer if you have the flu.
False! Most people who have the flu recover in two weeks or less. But some people – including young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems – are at higher risk of developing complications or even dying from the flu.
Without proper treatment, the flu can progress into pneumonia or worsen chronic conditions like COPD and congestive heart failure, which can quickly become life-threatening. If the virus triggers severe inflammation in your lungs, they may be unable to transport enough oxygen to the rest of your body, causing rapid respiratory failure.
Be sure to seek medical care right away if you have:
All vybe clinics have licensed medical professionals with a wide range of healthcare knowledge. We offer rapid testing for flu, strep throat, and many other seasonal conditions. Let vybe quickly diagnose your illness and help get you back to feeling your best. vybe is open seven days a week, with extended hours and accepts both walk-in and appointments.
vybe also offers flu shots as a form of preventative care. You don’t have to fight the flu alone! Send the flu packing this season with a visit to vybe.
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