With the heat of summer still upon us, I know that it is hard to believe that fall- and the dreaded flu season- will soon be here. Flu vaccines are set to arrive soon, so this is the perfect time to review some common misconceptions about this illness and vaccine.

Influenza is more than the “common cold”. It is a respiratory illness caused by the Influenza viruses, which can be very severe. Common symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Occasionally individuals will have vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children. Most people who get the flu will recover in 5-14 days, but complications (such as pneumonia) can occur that can lead to serious illness or even death.

These complications and the control of the spread of the influenza virus are some of the main reasons why we recommend that all of our patients without contraindications get the flu vaccine. Here are a few common misconceptions to think about as you prepare to come in to the office for your yearly vaccine.

Misconception #1:

“I am healthy and I have never had the flu, so I don’t need to get the vaccine.”

It is great that an individual has escaped contracting the flu in the past and a healthy immune system is important, but it does not mean that you are naturally immune to the virus and will not come down with the flu in the future. The annual flu vaccine will help to protect you against getting the flu or at the very least give you a much milder case of symptoms. This leads to less missed days of work and less disruption in your daily life. In addition, the more healthy individuals we vaccinate the less likely the flu is to spread to those who are immunocompromised and those who cannot get the flu vaccine themselves.

Misconception #2:

“I got the flu from the vaccine in the past!”

This is a very common misconception. The flu vaccines that we give in the office are made from ‘inactivated” flu viruses and are therefore not infectious. The most common side effects include: local reactions at the sight of injection (redness, tenderness, or swelling). In some patients, a low grade fever, headache and body aches are possible, but these are not as severe as the flu and are of a much shorter duration.

In studies where some patients were given an injection of the flu vaccine versus an injection of a salt water solution, the only difference in side effects was a slight increase in arm soreness with the flu vaccine. There was no difference in fever, body aches or headaches.

Misconception #3:

“I got the flu vaccine last year, so I don’t need one this year”

The Influenza vaccine is an annual vaccine for good reason. The circulating strains of flu viruses can change from year to year. Because of this, scientists study the trends in circulation and make a very educated guess as to which strains will be present in the up coming flu season. Production of this year’s flu vaccine then ensues. Sometimes the scientists get it right on and the vaccine is highly effective. Sometimes they miss the mark (as with last season) and the effectiveness is low. Even in these cases, the vaccine can still provide enough protection so that an individual’s illness is much less severe. Therefore, since the viruses and vaccines change each year, an annual flu vaccine is essential.

Misconception #4:

“It’s too early to get the flu vaccine!”

We anticipate that the supply of this year’s flu vaccine will be arriving in September. This is a great time to get your vaccine. The flu season generally peaks in December thru February, but illness can be seen from October thru May. Getting your flu vaccine early allows you to mount the appropriate immune response early and gives you the best protection for the entire flu season. On the flip side, if you do not get in to the office in September or October, it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine. Vaccinating after December can still be effective for the remainder of the season.

Misconception #5:

“I am pregnant, so I can’t get the vaccine”

If you happen to be pregnant during the flu season it is even more important that you get the vaccine this year. Pregnancy increases an individual’s risk of complications from the flu so vaccination is highly recommended.

If you have further concerns about Influenza or the flu vaccine, please come in to see your doctor to discuss things further. If you are not coming in for your routine care this fall, please schedule a visit with one of our nurses to get your flu vaccine as soon as they become available.