We know you don’t want to hear it, but flu season is quickly approaching. That means it’s time to get your flu shot! We’ve heard some myths going around about why getting your flu shot isn’t important, so we’re here to bust those myths out of the park all the way to Health Services.
MYTH: The flu vaccine is not relevant for me.
FACT: Whether this belief is because of your age, health status, or fitness level, some individuals often feel that because they feel fine, healthy, or strong, the flu vaccine is not necessary. However, regardless of these external factors, the flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC for all people. Exceptions to this recommendation are as follows: infants less than six months old, individuals who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu shot before, people with egg allergies, or those who are immunocompromised. Otherwise, all people are vulnerable to this illness, regardless of how healthy you may be, because contact with the flu virus can happen to anyone.
MYTH: The flu is not serious.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and in rare cases can lead to death. Flu symptoms can disrupt your work, school, and social life for up to two weeks. The flu is also a contagious virus, which can spread easily to others who are more vulnerable. Serious complications can result from this virus for anyone, but especially for young children or older adults, so receiving the flu vaccine becomes a tool to protect not only yourself but others around you, especially those not able to receive the vaccine.
MYTH: I do not need a flu shot this year because I got one last year.
Flu season exists because of the seasonal epidemics the flu routinely spreads in humans every year. These seasonal epidemics are caused by the two main types of the influenza virus that have an ability to change every year to a new strain. These changes in the virus may render the body’s immune system incapable of recognizing the virus and responding accordingly. For this reason, a flu vaccine targeted specifically to the current year’s strain will assist the body in fighting against the modified virus.
MYTH: If I get the flu, I will just take antibiotics.
The flu vaccine is a virus, not a bacteria, so it will not respond to antibiotic treatment. The flu will only respond to antiviral treatment after you already have the flu virus. Antiviral medications are only available as prescribed by a health care provider.
MYTH: For flu season, hand washing is sufficient.
Hand washing is a great preventative measure to protect yourself against many illnesses, including the flu, however, given how easily the virus spreads, survives, and changes every year, your body will be better protected with a combination of flu prevention measures. The following measures should be completed simultaneously over the course of flu season: frequent hand washing, disinfection of common surfaces, the flu vaccine, avoidance of close interactions with sick individuals, not touching your face, eyes, or mouth, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and staying home when you are sick.
MYTH: The flu vaccine is not effective, so there’s no point.
The flu vaccine is between 40-60% effective, meaning that you can still become infected with the flu despite having the yearly vaccine. While it is not 100% effective, it is the best choice available for protecting oneself and others from the flu virus. For the 2016-2017 year, the CDC estimated that the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 5.3 million influenza cases, 2.6 million flu medical visits, and 85,000 flu-related hospitalizations.Research indicates that the flu vaccine also can reduce flu symptom and illness severity in those who were vaccinated but still acquired the flu virus. The flu vaccine is also the best choice for individuals who face a high risk of acquiring the flu, such as babies or people with chronic health conditions, so every person that receives the flu vaccine each year is making a small, but significant difference.
Where can I learn more about the flu? The CDC website or at Syracuse University Health Services, 111 Waverly Avenue.
Fall 2018 Flu Clinics (free, SU ID required)
- October 10, 2018, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Flanagan Gymnasium (Archbold)
- October 16, 2018, 5 – 7 p.m., Schine Student Center 228B
- October 30, 2018, 5 – 7 p.m., Goldstein South rm. 201ABC
- November 6, 2018, 5 – 7 p.m., Ernie Davis Complex Lounge
If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms on the day of the clinic, it is not advised for you to receive the flu vaccine.
Students who are not able to make these clinics can receive their flu shot for free at the Health Services Pharmacy (111 Waverly Avenue). You can also stop by Health Services on Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the following dates: November 6, November 13, November 27, December 4 and December 11.
By: Amanda Gibba ’19 in Falk College and Kaylynn Mora ’19 in Falk College