Flu Shot- Myths and Reality

November 16th, 2010, Posted by admin / 1 Comment

Flu vaccines aimed at relieving people from the perils of flu infection, however, it was noticed in a recent consumer survey report that only 30 % of these believed that this year’s flu shots were safe and effective. This has left the medical professionals baffled as the last thing that they expected was people being scared ‘off’ vaccines. The fear could stem from many myths that were circulating in the market regarding these vaccines. Some of the most common myths are-

• The flu vaccine can cause flu- some people believe that flu shots can give them the flu. However, this is not true as the viruses in the flu shots are dead. The only known side effect is soreness in the arms post the injection. A nasal spray known as FluMist contains weak viruses. In this case, the flu vaccine side effects are present, though negligible and they include running nose, wheezing and headache. However some people do complain that they fall ill after being given a flu shot. As per doctors, this can be accounted to the change in weather as flu vaccines are given when respiratory viruses start circulating due to which some people may have respiratory issues. The flu vaccine takes more than two weeks to act and cause immunity, but in the meanwhile, the flu viruses may have already infected the body.
• The flu is only a bad cold- cold and flu differ in their symptoms as flu is far more severe than cold. Cold is also not fatal while flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia. Another difference between cold and flu is that cold lasts only for 4 to 5 days while flu takes a longer time. As per statistics, in the developed countries, influenza kills more people than any other disease despite this disease being vaccine preventable.
• This year’s flu shots are more risky than the earlier versions- This belief stems from ignorance as people are still unaware of the fact that the new flu shot is made in the same way as the earlier flu shot. In fact, this year’s flu shot provides protection against seasonal flu and H1N1 infection.
• The only people who need flu shot are the sick ones- though people who are sick can benefit from a flu shot, the young ones, newborns and the old ones are equally at risk. As per statistics, 90 % of flu deaths are in people who are over 65 years. Last year, 90 % of flu deaths were in young people, below the age of 30.
• Flu shots contain harmful chemicals- Despite the fact that there is no evidence that mercury-based preservative thimerosal causes harm, the vaccine makers do not add this to the vaccine post public concerns. People can also ask for thimerosal-free versions. However, scientists believe that thimerosal is harmless and there is no proof that it can cause autism.   

One Response to “Flu Shot- Myths and Reality”

1. LamonicaTrudelle815249 says:

   December 2, 2010 10:45 am at 10:45 am

   Like a Beginner, I’m always looking online for content articles that will help me. Thank you Wow! Thank you! I often wanted to write in my web site some thing like that. Can i get component of one’s submit to my blog?

   Reply