- Antibiotics will not treat the flu virus.
Because the flu is a virus, antibiotics cannot be used to treat it. However, there are a variety of flu-specific medications available. They are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms. It is better to prevent the flu altogether by getting vaccinated.
- Can I get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time?
Yes, it is safe to get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
- Cold weather does not cause the flu.
Cold weather often causes us to spend more time indoors with other people, which creates more chances for close contact and transmission. However, it is not spread because of the cold weather itself.
- Flu vaccines can protect yourself and others.
Flu vaccines can help prevent you and those around you from getting the flu. They can also reduce your chances of illness, severe complications, doctor visits, hospitalizations and missed work or school due to the flu. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected against the flu.
- Flu vaccines don’t guarantee you won’t get the flu.
Flu vaccines are based on predictions about the strain of flu that is likely to spread or be the most problematic during a particular flu season. Because multiple strains may be circulating at once, it is not guaranteed that your shot will protect you against them all. Maintaining good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people and covering your nose and coughs can all help prevent infection.
- The flu spreads through droplets.
Experts believe the flu virus spreads through droplets created when we cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land on others nearby and infect them. A person might also get the flu by touching surfaces that have the flu virus on them before touching their mouth, eyes or nose, though it is less common.
- The "stomach flu" is not the same as the seasonal flu.
Influenza (the flu) is primarily a respiratory viral infection. The “stomach flu” is different from seasonal influenza and typically refers to a variety of gastrointestinal viral infections that can cause nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Seasonal influenza is characterized by five classic symptoms including fever, headache, cough, sore throat and bodyaches.
- Who should get vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for anyone over 6 months of age. It is recommended that you receive a flu shot by the end of October if possible. While everyone should get a flu shot for flu season, it is especially important for those who are at high-risk of developing flu-related complications. Flu vaccines are strongly recommended for those who are elderly, pregnant or who have a chronic health condition.
- You cannot catch the flu from the flu vaccine.
The most common flu vaccines use parts of killed or inactive flu viruses. Live versions of the flu vaccine are made from weakened strains of the flu. Flu shots cannot give you the flu. If a person gets sick after receiving a flu shot, it is most likely because they are already sick or they are experiencing an immune response, which is normal. Side effects generally include soreness at the injection site, minor illness and aches.
