Can You Bust These Flu Myths?
Key Takeaways:
- Healthy people can still get the flu and spread the virus to others
- Flu symptoms are often more sudden and severe compared to the common cold
- Flu vaccine protection takes about two weeks to develop
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu season typically begins in October, with activity peaking between December and February.
John Greene, MD, chair of the Infectious Diseases Program at Moffitt Cancer Center, busts these common flu myths and gives you the facts to keep yourself protected this flu season.
Myth: Healthy people are not at risk for the flu.
Fact: Even people with healthy immune systems can get the flu and spread it to others. Adults 65 and older, pregnant people, individuals with chronic health conditions and those with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients, are at increased risk for developing serious flu complications.
Myth: Once you get the flu, you won't get it again.
Fact: People can get the flu more than once in the same season because multiple influenza strains and subtypes circulate. The virus also changes over time, which can affect a person's immunity.
Myth: The flu is the same as a common cold
Fact: Flu symptoms typically develop more suddenly and are more severe than those of the common cold. Even overall healthy individuals are at risk of developing severe flu symptoms that can lead to hospitalization and, in some cases, death.
Myth: The flu shot will give you the flu.
Fact: Some people may experience mild side effects, such as fatigue or soreness, for a few days after vaccination as the immune system responds. However, flu shots cannot cause influenza. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most people 6 months and older.
Myth: The flu shot provides immediate protection.
Fact: It typically takes about two weeks for the body to build protection after receiving the flu vaccine. Protection can decrease over time, which is one reason annual vaccination is recommended.
Myth: Cancer patients and others with weakened immune systems cannot get the flu shot.
Fact: The flu shot does not contain live influenza viruses and is generally recommended for people with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients. However, the nasal spray flu vaccine contains weakened live viruses and is not recommended for immunocompromised individuals.
Although cancer patients may not develop as strong an immune response to the flu vaccine as non-immunocompromised people, vaccination can still provide some protection and reduce the risk of severe illness.
