It’s officially flu season. Each year, millions get sick with influenza (flu). The flu can be extremely dangerous for seniors, as immune systems weaken with age. The virus increases seniors’ risk of heart attack by three to five times and stroke by two to three times, making seniors six times more likely to die from flu and related complications than younger adults.

The virus is pretty common, but there’s still a lot of misinformation surrounding the flu and flu shot. Due to the associated risks, it’s crucial to differentiate between what’s real and what’s a rumor. Let’s explore common flu myths vs. facts.

Myth: I can get the flu from a flu shot.

Fact: It is true that most vaccines contain the virus they’re protecting against – that’s how they work! However, flu vaccines are either recombinant (made synthetically and do not require a vaccine virus) or created using weakened or inactivated viruses. These provide enough of the virus so your immune system knows what to fight against but not enough to make you sick.

When you get a flu shot, it typically takes around two weeks for the vaccine to become effective. During those two weeks, it’s still possible to get the flu.

Myth: It doesn’t matter which flu shot I get.

Fact: That may be true for people younger than 65, but for seniors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends three flu vaccines over standard-dose flu vaccines:  Fluzone High-Dose flu vaccine, Flublok Recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad Adjuvanted flu vaccine. These vaccines are generally more effective than standard-dose flu shots. Seniors should get another age-appropriate flu vaccine if none of the above are available. Talk to your doctor about which vaccine is right for you.

Myth: If I get a flu shot, I’m immune.

Fact: While getting your flu shot is the number one way to protect yourself from the virus and lessen symptoms, it’s not the only way. There are many preventive measures to reduce your risk of getting sick.

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces.
• When you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face since the virus can enter your body through your eyes, mouth, or nose.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. If you feel unwell, avoid contact with others.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs.
• Wear a mask in crowded spaces.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks, or utensils with others.

Myth: I got my flu shot last year, so I won’t need another one this year.

Fact: A flu shot will only protect you for one season. The flu virus is constantly changing. Flu vaccinations are specially formulated to fight against the strains that are expected to circulate that year. If you skip your vaccination from one year to the next, you’ll likely be unprotected against the virus. It’s recommended to get your flu shot each year sometime in September or October.

Myth: If I get the flu, there’s nothing I can do.

Fact: Because the flu is a virus, this is a common misconception. However, antiviral medications are available to help alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications. If you experience any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor to discuss treatment.

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Myth: The flu is basically just a bad cold.

Fact: While the two share some symptoms, the flu is not the same as a common cold. It’s a very serious illness that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially for seniors. The flu can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia, multi-organ failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. Seniors account for about 70-85% of annual flu-related deaths in the U.S. Colds are minor infections that typically go away within a week.

Myth: If I feel too sick, I should visit urgent care.

Fact: If you have mild symptoms, such as a fever, persistent cough, sore throat, or body aches, urgent care is the place to go. However, you should immediately go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe weakness, confusion, or sudden dizziness
• Persistent vomiting that leads to dehydration
• High fever (above 103°F)
• Worsening symptoms

How Grand Oaks Helps

Each year, we hold a flu shot clinic for our residents and staff to help them stay safe throughout flu season and prevent the spread of illness to each other and their loved ones.

Stay informed and safeguard yourself and your loved ones this flu season. Help your family, friends, and neighbors stay healthy by sharing these common flu myths vs. facts!