Debunking flu myths: The shot won't give you the flu

on December 11, 2012 at 12:00 AM

If you’re not careful this time of year, you could catch a flu myth. Flu myths spread easily from person to person, especially in the winter.

This year’s flu is starting earlier and is more severe.

So while we can’t protect you from picking up the flu from family or co-workers, we can supply you with the inside info on myths surrounding the flu and bulk you up with strategies on how to avoid coming down with the creeping crud.

Wash your hands frequently and read up on Dr. Ryan Crim’s advice. He practices family medicine at Carlisle Family Care, which is affiliated with Carlisle Regional Medical Center.

Here’s what he said about the flu and flu shots that you should know: 

Q. Do people get sick from the flu shot? 

A. “You can actually get a reaction from the flu shot, but it’s a little bit achy and a little bit tired the next day. You do not get the flu from the flu shot. It’s a reaction to the components in the vaccine.” 

Q. So many people say the flu shot makes them ill. Is it possible their bodies were harboring a cold or flu before they got the shot and they didn’t know it? 

A. “That can happen although that’s pretty rare. I think people are afraid of vaccines in general. Ever since the whole scare about vaccines in general about autism ... that whole thing was debunked. The doctor admitted it was a fraud.” 

Q. How often do you see other reactions to the shot, like swelling or infections or rashes? 

A. “Very rarely. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that. I’ve seen tender bruising, but even that’s rare.” 

Q. People say, ‘I’m young and healthy. I don’t need a shot.’ Are healthy people at risk? 

A. “Young and healthy people are at risk.

“With H1N1, a lot of older adults didn’t get sick because they had some immunity. They had been exposed to a similar strain years ago. It was younger adults who became sick.

“With the flu, you can get significantly dehydrated and spend a day or two in the hospital if you get too sick. That’s not a good way to spend Christmas or New Year's.”

Q. Does everybody need the flu shot? 

A. “There are some years when we have a limited supply. In those years, elderly, young children and people who are immuno-compromised should get it. That includes diabetics, asthmatics and anybody with certain cancers or medications that lower the body’s ability to have an immune response.

“If you avoid a flu shot, you go out in the community and expose other people to it.

“While a healthy person might only feel a minor sickness from the flu, they might pass it along to someone elderly or someone with cancer or some other illness who will become very ill.

“One of the main killers is not just dehydration when you get older, it’s what happens afterward. That sets you up for pneumonia or sepsis.” 

Q. Since the flu can mutate over the season, does the shot really offer much help? Epidemiologists have to kind of guess what to put into each year’s flu shot, right? 

A. “But we have some lead time. We have a pretty good idea what’s coming through each year. In the past decade, there’s been only one time, with the swine flu, when they really have missed the boat.

“A flu shot is the CDC’s best guess as to what’s coming through this year. We have some idea what’s going to be coming and they do the best.

“The flu can mutate or a new strain can appear, but most of the time they get it right. It certainly is protective.” 

Q. Is there anyone who should not get a flu shot? 

A. “People who have had a severe reaction to the flu shot: swelling or pain at the site. People who are allergic to eggs should not get it. Babies under six months.” 

Q. Are we ever likely to see another flu as devastating as the 1918 flu, which devastated the young population of adults? 

A. “Hopefully not.

“I would guess that possibility exists. Viruses are unique in the way they can mutate and cause some significant problems.

“Even if it did, we have better immunization and better technology to respond quickly to a lethal mutation.” 

Q. Just how easily does the flu spread? 

A. “Pretty easily. If you cough or sneeze or it gets on your hand or a door knob.” 

Q. How quickly do people show symptoms? Am I infecting people in the days before I realize I’m sick? 

A. “The incubation period is 3 to 7 days. You spread it by coughing and sneezing, so you’re not spreading it until you have symptoms.” 

Q. Should we all be walking around wearing masks? 

A. “No. The best way to prevent getting the flu is wash your hands and don’t touch your face.” 