Vaccinations against influenza: 12 of the most popular myths

As shown by medical statistics, only 1% of Ukrainians give themselves the opportunity to get vaccines against influenza. All the blame is not only elementary negligence to one's health, but also the myths about vaccinations, which we diligently read and hear from different sources. It's time to finally find out the truth about what flu shots are.

Myth 1: Vaccinations from influenza can cause flu

True. People are confused when they learn that flu shots contain the flu virus, but not alive. They think that in this way they will get influenza through an inoculation. But you should know that flu vaccinations contain only inactivated influenza viruses. They can not cause infection.

Studies comparing those who have already been vaccinated against influenza with people who have been injected with saline (placebo) show that those who have received flu shots have had redness at the injection site and tenderness of the hand. In the future, they did not experience pain throughout the body, fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, characteristic of the flu.

Myth 2: Vaccinations from influenza do not help

True. Some people believe that it makes no sense to vaccinate against the flu after the onset of November, as the season of colds begins and immunity does not have time to prepare for them with a vaccine. And experts say that it is better to get flu shots, as soon as you are ready for it (of course, if there are no contraindications). A vaccine against influenza can be very useful, even if the flu viruses are actively circulating around you.

The season of influenza varies in time from year to year. Peaks of seasonal flu usually occur in January or February, but some people get flu in late May. Therefore, flu shots can be very useful at any time of the year.

Myth 3: Immunizations from the flu will protect against the disease for many years

True. Just because you got a flu shot last year does not mean that you are protected from it this year. Influenza viruses change from year to year, which means that the flu vaccine must be updated annually.

Myth 4: Inoculations from influenza make other precautions unnecessary

True. Even if you get vaccinated against the flu in time, scientists say that daily measures are absolutely necessary to prevent the spread of microbes and viruses. Including those that cause the flu. Simple precautions include the following:

• cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• stay away from people who are sick
• often wash your hands with soap and water - or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer - these are now sold in any supermarket.

Myth 5: Flu vaccinations are needed when everyone around you is sick

True. Some people think that they need flu shots only when everyone as one around them is blinded to the flu. But if you wait until others fall ill, it may be too late to protect yourself. Adaptation of the body to the vaccine and the beginning of the full protection of your body will take about two weeks.

Myth 6: Children should be vaccinated against influenza from the moment of their birth

True. Children under the age of six months are in great danger because of the flu attack. But, unfortunately, they are still too young to get vaccinated against the flu. The best way to protect them from the flu is to make sure that the other family members have been vaccinated.

Myth 7: Influenza vaccines are not very effective

True. Vaccination against influenza does not work all year round, but studies show that vaccination can reduce the chances of getting the flu by up to 90 percent. Agree, this is very much. The vaccine is slightly less effective for the elderly and young children, but it can help them avoid serious complications due to the flu, even if they get sick.

Myth 8: Everyone should get a flu shot

True. Vaccinations against influenza are not recommended for all, but from the age of over six months. It can not be done to people who are strongly allergic to chicken eggs or other substances in the vaccine or who have shown severe allergic reactions to previous flu shots. You can not get vaccinated against the flu and those who have the disease now in the acute stage or who have not had another two weeks from the previous illness.

Myth 9: Immunizations from influenza cause autism

True. Some flu shots contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that causes health problems, including autism. But studies have shown that low doses of thimerosal are harmless, causing nothing more than redness and swelling at the injection site. Numerous studies have shown no connection between thimerosal and autism.

Myth 10: One vaccination against the flu is enough

True. This year only one vaccine against influenza is needed, and most people are vaccinated only once a year. But children aged six months to nine years who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine should receive two flu shots with an interval of at least four weeks.

Myth 11: Antiviral drugs make flu shots unnecessary

True. Yes, antiviral pills, liquids, powders and inhalants for the treatment of flu symptoms usually apply if a person has not been vaccinated against the flu. But in practice this is only the second line of defense against influenza. In addition, these funds tend to work only if they are taken within the first two days after the onset of the flu.

Myth 12: Influenza vaccine is the only reliable protection option

True. If you passionately hate injecting, you can use nasal spray as a vaccine. This is especially good for protecting against the flu of healthy children of two years and adults - under the age of 49 years. When pregnancy and the onset of the elderly, the possibility of vaccination against influenza should be discussed with your doctor.

As you can see, vaccinations against influenza are not so terrible. So let us be guided by facts and common sense.