How Bad Information Might Give You The Flu
There's no question the flu can be a misery maker — causing fever, chills, body aches and more. But there's a way to avoid all that unpleasantness: getting vaccinated.
So why is it that many people skip this simple step?  It could boil down to bad information. Don't let any of these six common myths keep you from taking your best shot at staying well this flu season:

Myth No. 1: It's just the flu — it's no big deal.

The facts: Every year, many people become severely ill with complications from the seasonal flu, or influenza. Thousands even die.

Older adults, children, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions — such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes — are most vulnerable to serious illness. But anyone who gets the flu is at risk.

Myth No. 2: Flu shots give you the flu.

The facts: The flu shot is made from killed viruses, which cannot infect you.

Myth No. 3: I got a flu shot once and still got the flu — it doesn't really work.

The facts: Here's what may have happened: Each year, the vaccine protects against the viruses experts think will be most common that year. So it's still possible to get a different strain — or a similar illness, such as a cold — even if you got vaccinated.

Another possibility: You may have been exposed to the virus before your protection took effect. The bottom line: No vaccine is 100 percent perfect. But your chances of avoiding the flu are much better if you get the vaccine.

Myth No. 4: It's OK to skip the vaccine if I got one last year.

The facts: You need a new vaccine every year. The protection isn't long-lasting. And the most common viruses can change from year to year, so you need to be revaccinated to stay protected.

Myth No. 5: Only older adults need flu shots.

The facts: Almost everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine. Depending on your age, different types of vaccines may be available to you. Ask your doctor which vaccine is right for you.*

Myth No. 6: If I didn't get vaccinated in the fall, it's not worth doing.

The facts: It's best to get vaccinated as soon as the flu vaccine becomes available. But flu viruses can circulate even in winter and spring. So even if you miss the early opportunity, it's still smart to roll up your sleeve.