The Influenza Virus causes serious illnesses or even death if untreated and has been around since the early 1900’s. Being a contagious virus, it has the ability to spread like wild fire from human to human in many ways. Touching, coughing, or sneezing can transmit the illness, which can give its hosts problems such as chills, body aches, fever, and fatigue.
Did you know that the Flu Virus is very misunderstood by the general public? There are plenty of myths going around about the illness, but many are plane ridiculous and have no validity. Here are some common myths about the very flu vaccines we use to stay healthy.
- Flu vs Flu Vaccines is a popular debate as many people think that the vaccine, which prevents the Flu, is worse than the Flu itself. This illness carries very serious complications that can be detrimental to your health. The virus is so serious that it’s not only a sickness, but also classified as a disease. People with health issues are at risk, but so are healthy individuals. Vaccinations are safer than the virus.
- Flu Shots Caus The Flu Virus is one of the biggest misconceptions available. The shot does cause discomfort such as swelling, redness, and soreness because the body’s immune response is reacting to this new substance being introduced to it. This reaction lasts for a few days and the symptoms are milder lower grade aches and fever.
- Not Having A Flu Vaccination Every Year Is better isn’t the best idea compared to having one every year. Humans’ immune protection goes down throughout time leaving you vulnerable for illnesses. Prevention is the better option instead.
- Nasal Spray Vaccine Last Longer Than The Flu itself is false. The vaccine does cause discomfort, but only for a few days. The flu Virus makes you sick for extended days or up to a week.
- More Than One Vaccine A Year Is Better Than Having Only one is completely false. Young children or elderly persons all need just one vaccination.
People Who Are More Susceptible To The Flu:
- Pregnant woman
- People with pre-existing medical conditions
- Young children
- Elderly people
Even though the types of people above are more inclined to getting the virus, people with or without health conditions should be vaccinated. Perfect health doesn’t matter since this a contagious strain of virus.
- Flu Vaccines Make Your Illness Milder If You Get A Cold is also a myth. Since the Flu is a specific strain of virus, the vaccines fight that specific virus itself rather than any mild cold.
- The Common Cold Is The Same As The Flu is not true at all. Though Colds give you symptoms such as fever, body-aches, sneezing, and coughs like the Flu, the (Common Cold’s) symptoms are much less severe and doesn’t last as long as Influenza.
- Healthy People Don’t Need Vaccinations Vs Getting Vaccinated isn’t the choice even if you’re healthy. Remember, Influenza is a strain that spreads quickly no matter the person’s health history. Vaccinations are for healthy people who might spread the illness to people whom are susceptible, such as children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.
- You Catch The Flu From Being In The Cold Without A Coat or Having Wet Hair Sitting By Open Windows With A Draft is not valid. Yes Influenza coincides with cold weather, but the only way to get it is by being exposed to the virus itself.
- Chicken Soup Speeds Recovery is a myth. Soups only soothe or lessons the Flu symptoms and don’t really destroy the virus.