Are flu shots worth the "risk?"


It's not a surprise that when we asked readers their reasons for avoiding flu vaccinations, we were flooded with a wide range of responses. While some seemed plausible, others were based in urban legend and misinformation.

For the sake of good health, and to help make sure this flu season isn't something to talk about, we tested our readers' theories against expert knowledge to help sort the truths from the tall tales, ''MythBusters''-style.

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Myth 1: The flu is seldom fatal for anyone in good health.

Busted: According to Bernice Bova, nursing supervisor at the Stratford Health Department, the best case against this argument occurred in 2009 with the H1N1 epidemic. But nearly every year, the number of hospitalizations for people with flu or flu-like symptoms increases significantly as winter progresses, while other causes for hospitalizations decline, she said.

Myth 2: The vaccine is hardly the "right one" for the year's strain.

Plausible: Bova noted that while the vaccine is often on target, there have been some years where the flu strain isn't as anticipated. But she also mentioned that chemists are working harder to create vaccines that encompass multiple strains in one vaccine, and some of these are available now.

Myth 3: Healthy eating/ hand-washing is enough to avoid infection.

Busted: While it significantly reduces the symptoms of the flu and the immune system will undoubtedly preform better, good habits cannot completely prevent the flu, Bova says. Practicing the habits necessary to have an immune system strong enough to avoid the flu entirely (frequent hand washing, healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep) is a lot to ask of anyone.

Myth 4: The flu shot increases the risk of Alzheimer's.

Busted: "I have not seen any evidence of this," says Bova.


Busted: Bova says a typical flu shot contains, at most, as much mercury as a tuna fish sandwich. The chemicals that people are generally concerned about are used as preservatives, but Bova says there are many formulations without preservatives. Just ask for pre-filled syringes.

Myth 6: Flu shots don't work for people with autoimmune diseases.

Busted: Bova says that while the vaccine will not have as strong of a response, people with autoimmune diseases are most at risk for contracting the influenza viru. But getting a flu shot combined with healthy eating and hygienic habits will significantly help those with weakened immune systems.

Myth 7: If you're not around sick people all day, you don't need a flu shot.

Busted: According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu virus can live on surfaces for two to eight hours, meaning that even if you aren't around someone infected with the flu, you could become infected via indirect contact with infected surfaces and your eyes, mouth or nose.

Bova urges anyone with questions to contact the Stratford, Health Department at 203-395-9360 or to check out the Centers for Disease Control's website:

Alexis Willey is a freelance writer from Rotterdam, N.Y.