Do you avoid getting the flu shot?
Do you avoid it because you are afraid you'll get sick?
Or it won't work?
If so you're not alone.
Flu Shots are one of the most oft misunderstood treatments we give in our clinic.
Luckily today we are going to dispel the most common myths regarding getting a flu shot
and hopefully help you feel more comfortable getting one.
Welcome to Family Med, I'm Dr. Richardson
and this is your home for practical and accurate information to help your family make healthy
decisions.
This is the channel that focuses on bringing better health to your home.
So on Today's episode we are going to be answering 6 common myths that are frequently spread
about the shot.
We're going to talking about whether it can give you the flu?, how effective is it?, when
is it too late to get it?, whether you should avoid it if you have allergies to eggs?, Is
it harmful? and if you are healthy why do you need it?.
So keep watching and we'll answer all your questions.
Before we get into those though let's talk a little bit about what the flu is.
There is still a lot of confusion on what we are talking about when we use the word
"FLU".
A lot of times when people talk about the flu they are thinking about the stomach virus
that sends you the toilet with vomiting and diarrhea.
That's actually something we call gastroenteritis or what most will call it the stomach flu.
No, what we are talking about today is Influenza, this is a respiratory illness caused by the
influenza virus that affects mostly the respiratory tract.
This is more than your common cold.
This is a serious illness that at times can lead to death.
Unfortunately there isn't really any good way to treat it.
Once you have it, you have it.
There are some medications that can help but not enough to rely on.
If you want to learn a little more about what it is and treatment options check out my other
video on the Flu for a better discussion of what it is.
We're not going to get into that too deep in this video because we want to talk about
the best way that you can prevent it.
That's getting a flu shot.
There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about what the flu shot is and why you get
it.
In my experience it seems like it is something that for the most part for whatever reason
you either "believe in" or not.
In my own practice there are those that get it every year and others that won't even think
about it.
Hopefully though, some of the things we discuss today will dispel some common myths about
the flu shot and help you feel more comfortable about getting it.
So why should you get it?
Quite simply is that it helps and it is the best that we have.
Now we know that the flu vaccine isn't perfect, its not going to eliminate the flu however
studies show that it is between 40-60% effective in preventing the flu.
It also shows that those who get the flu and are vaccinated are less likely to have to
see the doctor about it, Less likely if they do get sicker that they stay out of the hospital,
and if they are in the hospital, they are less likely to need intensive care and less
likely to die.
Remember we are not trying to protect you from the cold and sniffles.
Influenza kills about 80,000 people a year.
One other benefit from the flu shot is that it protects your loved ones who are around
you.
You are less likely to spread the virus if you've had your flu shot.
So, especially if you are around those with chronic illnesses, the elderly and children
you should think about getting it.
So let's talk about some common myths about the flu shot.
The first one is: I don't want to get the flu shot because it will give me the flu!
OK this one is absolutel FALSE: the shot has no active flu virus so its impossible for
it to give you the flu.
The only one that has any active flu virus is the nasal one called FluMist and even then
it has been weakened so it can't cause the flu.
I do have people say all the time though that I got the flu shot and I got sick right after.
Well, It's certainly possible to get some minor reaction to the shot.
Most commonly you get a little sore in the arm or may feel achy but it's not going to
be influenza.
Also a few things to remember that may explain why people get sick after a flu shot.
The first is that the flu shot doesn't protect you immediately.
It can take up to 2 weeks to take effect so if you get the flu after getting the shot
its because you were exposed to it during this time when you weren't immune.
The second explanation has more to do with where you got your flu shot.
Where do you get your flu shot?
Well, at a doctors office or pharmacy or somewhere else where there are a lot of sick people.
Its more likely you get your sickness because you were near sick people.
Not because you got a flu-shot.
None of the studies have shown that you are at increased risk for illness by getting the
shot.
Just the opposite.
Ok, the second myth is that the flu shot just doesn't work.
We already established that the flu shot isn't perfect.
Its important to understand that he flu shot is a tricky thing to develop.
It is a bit of a guessing game to know what strains of the virus are going to be most
prevalent the upcoming season.
They have to be picking this pretty close to when the current flu season is ending.
So its not going to be 100% effective for every strain.
The average coverage is usually between 40-60% effectiveness.
However, don't despair, even if it isn't 100% effective for a specific strain studies show
that you are still will get less sick than you may have if you had not gotten it.
The third myth is that it's just too late to get my shot
At current filming this certainly isn't the case as Flu season is just starting but even
later in the season, unless the flu season is passed you should still get it, season
lasts usually from November through March but can go earlier or later depending on the
season.
It takes two weeks for it to take effect, but still is worthwhile to get whenever.
It's going to work the best the earlier you get it but still can be helpful if you get
it late.
The fourth myth is that you should avoid getting the flu vaccine if you are allergic to eggs.
Now for this one, Its true that most flu vaccines are made using eggs as an incubation medium
and some egg proteins can be incorporated into the shot.
The risk of a reaction is very low though.
Unless you've had a significant anaphylactic type reaction, there's not much to worry about.
Talk to your doctor about your risk but don't despair, even if you feel that you don't want
to risk it they do make an egg free flu shot.
So talk to your doctor about getting that one if you are worried.
The fifth myth is that Flu Shots contain chemicals that are harmful to the body
Fact is that most flu shots these days are preservative free and don't contain all that
people are worried about.
Even if they did, multiple studies have looked at the long term health effects of these compounds
and have found no link to any harmful effects.
Ok so the last myth that I hear is that I never get sick so I don't need the flu
I guess my simple answer to that is I think its great if you don't get sick very much,
hopefully it continues.
Keep doing what you are doing to stay healthy but Influenza is an equal opportunity offender.
Some of the sickest people I see are those who were healthy and didn't get their shot.
It's kind of like the argument for car insurance.
Yeah you are a safe driver but you can still get hit.
With the flu It's almost universal that those who really get sick regret not getting their
shot OK so there you have it, simple answers to
your common questions about the Flu shot.
Hopefully it helps you feel more comfortable about getting yours and protecting yourself
this winter season.
So let me know what you think in the comments below.
I know its always a bit of a lightening rod discussion to mention vaccines and shots.
Everybody has their strong opinion so let's hear what yours is.
Are you planning on getting your flu shot?
Let us know in the comments below.
If you've found this information to be helpful do me a favor, go ahead hit that like icon
and share it with your friends and family.
I have a lot of other videos on different health topics out there.
So if your health is important to you consider subscribing and hit that notification button
so you don't miss out on any of our other content.
So until next time, this is FamilyMed with Dr. Richardson and remember to take care of
your body because it's the only one you have.