Flu Shots Myths vs. Facts

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus.  Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus. Coughing and sneezing spreads droplets of bodily fluid up to three feet out from the nose/mouth. Droplets contain viruses that cause infection when they touch your nose or mouth. Viruses can be picked up from commonly touched items like telephones and keyboards says Esther Munoz, RN, Infection Control Preventionist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She explains “Most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, but in elderly people, children, those with long-term health problems or weakened immune systems, influenza can cause pneumonia, extended hospitalization, and even death.” Phoenix Children’s Hospital has seen pediatric deaths from community-acquired flu.

“The flu shot will give me symptoms of the flu.” – MYTH

The flu shot contains killed viruses that are not infectious, and can not cause the flu. Most people feel fine after getting a flu shot, but a few people may have soreness or redness where the shot was given, and a smaller number may experience fever and aches. This means your body’s immune system is producing antibodies to help protect you from the flu. These symptoms usually last less than 2 days. Sometimes people who get the flu shot get sick with a different virus a short time later. They confuse the other viral infection with the flu or mistakenly associate the illness with the flu shot.

“You can still get the flu, after getting the flu shot.” – FACT

The flu vaccine provides excellent protection against the flu, but it will not protect you from other cold viruses that may feel like the flu. Because it takes up to two weeks for antibodies to develop that protect against the flu, it’s possible for someone to get the flu shot and then come down with the flu because of prior exposure. That’s why the best time to get a flu shot is before influenza becomes widespread in the community. A small number of people who get the flu vaccine may still get the flu, but they usually get a milder case than those who did not get the vaccine. Getting a flu shot each year is the best way to reduce the spread of the flu.

“Everyone should get a flu shot.” – MYTH

Not everyone can take the flu vaccine. Those who are allergic to eggs (used in making the vaccine) or have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past should not get the flu vaccine. Consult your physician for alternatives, including nasal spray flu vaccine, and antiviral medications. If you are ill with a fever, you should wait until you feel better to get the flu vaccine.

“I can get the flu and other viruses from objects like phones, and door handles?”- FACT

Influenza and other respiratory viruses like RSV all spread the same way. When someone is infected with influenza or another respiratory virus (with or without symptoms), they shed virus droplets of bodily fluid. People infected with influenza can shed the virus 1-4 days before they ‘feel’ sick. Coughs, runny noses, sneezes, and dirty hands spread large amounts of these viruses to objects like counter tops, keyboards, phones, and door handles. The flu virus can live for days on surfaces and objects.

“Plan on getting the flu vaccine each year to reduce your risk of getting the flu as it is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your family,” says Munoz. Parents are encouraged to wash hands often and use the disinfectants to wipe down frequently touched items like phones and keyboards, on a regular basis.

The peak flu season in Arizona is usually in February or March and the public is encouraged to get their flu shot around the first of November. Generally flu shots for children are available through a pediatrician. For more information on flu shots for adults and other family members, or to locate a flu shot clinic, call (602) 263-8856 (Phoenix Metro area) or (800) 352-3792 (statewide) or visit www.cir.org or flucliniclocator.org. 

About Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Phoenix Children’s Hospital is Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, providing world-class care in more than 40 pediatric specialties to our state’s sickest kids. Though Phoenix Children’s is one of the ten largest freestanding children’s hospitals in the country, rapid population growth in Arizona means the Hospital must grow as well. Phoenix Children’s recently announced a $588 million expansion plan to bring its special brand of family-centered care to even more patients and families. The plan includes a significant upgrade of the Hospital’s current campus, an aggressive physician recruitment effort, and new satellite centers in high growth areas of the Valley. For more information, visit the Hospital’s Web site at www.phoenixchildrens.com.

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