Dispelling some common myths about the flu shot

Influenza, or the flu as it is better known, is not just another harmless illness. You might be thinking, “Sure, I might be hit hard and suffer for a week or two, but I’ll get over it, right? Not quite. For many, the flu is much more than just an inconvenience. For them, getting the flu means serious health risks, even death.

Even if you are not part of the high-risk group that may be seriously affected by the flu, you may be in contact with them. If you have elderly parents or friends, you are in contact. Got very young children who are under the age of two? How about someone with a weakened immune system? Would you like to share your illness with someone who might die from it? Okay, that might be over the top, but it is possible.

Still, some people choose not to get a flu shot. Fair enough — they have their own reasons. But really, we think they are making a mistake. No, let’s be bold, we know they are making a mistake.

Dispelling common myths about the flu shot

Myth 1: Aches, pains and fever are underratedA good flu can incapacitate you with weakness and pain all over and will often include a good fever as your body tries to fight the infection. Bring on the misery – sheesh….

Myth 2: Influenza vaccine causes the fluThe vaccine contains a dead virus - as in dead as a doornail - not a live one. It cannot cause the flu. For a day or two, some people experience sensitivity in the arm where they got the shot and perhaps a minor fever, but no one gets the flu from a flu shot. So slam the door shut on that myth.

Myth 3: I got the flu shot last year and still got the fluYou may have become sick, but it was likely not an influenza virus, but rather another type of respiratory virus that often circulate in the fall and winter - a doppelganger bug, masquerading as flu.

Myth 4:Influenza vaccine can cause serious side effectsAside from the aforementioned sore arm, most people have no side effects after a flu shot. Allergic reactions are rare and are usually due to an allergy to eggs since flu vaccines contain egg protein.

Myth 5: Thimerosal causes adverse health effectsSome people claim thimerosal, a preservative in flu vaccinations that prevents bacterial or fungal contamination and contains trace amounts of mercury, causes adverse health effects, but clinical evidence doesn't support this claim. The amount of thimerosal you receive in your annual flu vaccination is miniscule— about the same amount found in a small can of tuna. Say yes to Chicken of the Sea but no to chickening out.

But seriously folks, the dangers of influenza are absolutely real and those at highest risk might be the people closest to you. They include the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Protect yourself, your family and those you care about by getting the flu (vaccine) shot. It is safe,  it protects you and the people around you and it works.

This article was written by Dr. Paul Martiquet, the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Where can I get the flu shot?Visit our Influenza and the Flu Shot page for more information and to find a flu shot clinic near you.

Be part of a flu shot study Participate in these studies and help researchers investigate the effects of the flu shot on men and women as they age. Click on the links below to learn more.

Flu Vaccine Study for Young Adults (ages 20-40 years)

Flu Vaccine Study for Seniors