Clearing Up Some Common Misconceptions About The Flu Shot
Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza. By being vaccinated, you also help protect others in the community since the fewer people get infected, the less the virus is able to spread. However, there is an unfortunate number of misconceptions about the flu shot. You deserve to have those misconceptions cleared up so that you can make your decisions fully informed.
Can you get the flu from the flu shot?
Some people say they got the flu from the flu shot. But this is impossible. The virus that the flu shot contains has been killed already and it cannot infect you. Some flu vaccines do not even contain the actual flu virus, but rather just proteins from the virus. People who say they got the flu from the flu shot may have just experienced some tiredness, aching, and perhaps some extra mucous production in the days following the vaccine. These are just markers of your immune system's response to the flu shot and mean that you are building immunity the way that you should. Some people experience stronger side effects than others, but nobody actually gets the flu from the shot specifically.
Is the flu shot unnecessary if you're not elderly or immune-compromised?
Anyone who is elderly or immune-compromised should certainly get the flu shot because if they get the flu, the consequences could be dire and deadly. However, this does not mean you should not get the shot if you don't fall into one of these categories. Young people can die from the flu, too. And even if you do recover from the flu without incident, there is a chance you could pass the flu on to someone else who does become seriously ill or die. Vaccinations help protects you and your loved ones.
Do you need to avoid the flu vaccine if you are allergic to eggs?
This used to be the case. Most versions of the flu shot—at one time, all versions of the flu shot—contained egg proteins and could therefore cause an allergic reaction in anyone allergic to eggs. However, there is now an inhaled, nasal version of the flu shot that does not contain any egg proteins and is safe for those with egg allergies. If you're allergic to eggs, just let your practitioner know, and they'll give you the right shot.
If you have any lingering concerns, talk to your doctor. They can provide more information about flu shots.
