4 Flu Myths

1. The flu only affects the very young, very old and unhealthy people.

FALSE

Being healthy doesn’t make you immune to the flu. A healthy adult, however, has a lower risk of suffering from severe flu complications compared to specific group of people such as young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.

2. You can get the flu from a flu vaccination.

FALSE

A flu vaccine does not give you the flu. Flu shots are made with either an inactivated virus or no flu virus at all, so they are not infectious. The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with an attenuated (weakened) live flu virus. Both the flu shot and nasal spray vaccines boost your immune response against exposure to flu viruses.

However, it’s possible to get sick shortly after getting vaccinated. That’s because it takes two weeks after vaccination for the antibodies in the vaccine to form in your body and protect you against the influenza virus. That’s why we recommend getting your flu shot rapidly, according to government recommendations in your province.

3. A flu is just a bad cold.

FALSE

The flu and the common cold share certain similarities, but they are very different. The flu is a much more serious illness that can lead to severe complications such as meningitis, pneumonia and, in certain cases, death. 

4. You get the flu from being in cold weather.

FALSE

This is another classic flu myth that’s simply not true. Going outside in the cold without the proper winter attire might give you shivers and frostbite, but it won’t give you the flu. Only the dreaded influenza virus will give you the flu. This is a common misconception because flu season coincides with the winter months. That said, please ensure you bundle up and stay warm during the winter months.

 

If you have questions about the flu and how to treat its symptoms, contact your local pharmacist who will be happy to help guide you.