Written by Laura Bottom, SIU School of Medicine, Center for Family Medicine

Warm, summer nights are coming to an end, kids are back in school and the flu vaccine is one poke away. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SIU Center for Family and Community Medicine recommend anyone 6 months and older to get a seasonal flu vaccine.

Myth 1: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.

Flu vaccines are currently engineered in two ways. One way uses an inactivate virus, resulting in a non-infectious vaccine.  The second way is with no flu virus at all, which is the case for recombinant influenza vaccine. Common side effects of the vaccines include low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches. Side effects at the injection spot can include soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling.

Myth 2: It is better to get the flu instead of the flu vaccine.

The flu virus can lead to very serious complications resulting in hospitalization or even death. “The flu can be extremely harmful especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions including asthma, heart disease and diabetes,” says Family and Community Medicine Chief Resident Dr. Safiya McNeese. “This vaccine helps to protect your body against the flu virus. Getting the flu vaccine is a much safer choice than risking serious illness.”

Myth 3: It is not necessary to get a flu vaccine every year.

“It is recommended that those who are 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year,” Dr. McNeese says.Over time, the vaccination becomes less effective, leaving you less protected. Annual vaccination is important for the best protection from the flu virus.

Myth 4: I should wait to get vaccinated so immunity lasts throughout the flu season.

The CDC recommends people get vaccinated as soon as it becomes available. After being vaccinated, it can take about two weeks for antibodies that help protect your body against the flu virus to develop. It is best to get vaccinated BEFORE the flu virus is spread throughout your community, but it is never too late to get vaccinated.

Call you doctor’s office today to schedule a flu vaccination. Or call 545-8000 and ask for SIU Center for Family Medicine. Our team of doctors will care for your whole family through flu season and beyond.

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