8 Myths About the Flu and the Flu Vaccine
Think about the time when you were terribly sick. You didn’t want to get up for anything except to pee (just), all the while wishing it would go away.
Flu or influenza is exactly like that. I tell you, you’ll have to spend days recovering apart from the “ill” effects that follow.
The fever, headaches, aching muscles, coughs and sniffles made you say things normally reserved for traffic jams or your ex.
Suffice it to say, it’s not fun at all!
You wouldn’t want to miss out on those bloody workplace flu vaccination shots as I did. I just couldn’t be arsed at the time! Lesson learned.
Consider this- flu shots at work or in the community do more than just give individuals or employees a welcome break from the grind!
Here’s to busting some of the myths regarding flu vaccines and flu in general:
Myth #1 – I’ll Get The Flu If I Take Flu Shots
So you think you can call in sick after you get flu vaccines because it gives you the flu? Think again. Your boss will not be amused! The fact is, flu shots given to employees have no power to make you sick and adverse reactions are quite rare. You may experience a slight pain in the injection site or a slight rise in temp, but that’s no reason to miss work and a day’s worth of pay, is it?
Myth #2 – I’ll Be Cured of Flu If I Take Antibiotics
Nah! Antibiotics may work well against bacteria, but they don’t do anything if you have the flu. This is because influenza is a viral infection, so forget about antibiotics.
Myth #3 – I’ll Become Superman After having the Flu Shot
You won’t be indestructible, and bullets won’t bounce off of you after you get that flu shot. The ever-changing nature of viruses means you should be vaccinated each year with the latest inactive strains to be protected for the season.
Myth #4 – I Shouldn’t Get Flu Shots If I’m Pregnant
You should get that flu jab if you’re pregnant at any stage, as flu in pregnancy is risky business. The flu vaccine won’t affect your baby in any way. In fact, it will be bad for the baby if you suddenly fall ill and have the flu!
Flu shots are safe for pregnant women and their babies.
Myth #5 – Swine Flu Is Stronger Than Flu Vaccines
Despite what social media says, flu shots protect you against the Swine flu or H1N1 virus. Back when this post first went up, the workplace shot was a quadrivalent (QIV) — a four-strain vaccine, swine flu included. Impressive hey!
Quick update for 2026: every seasonal flu vaccine available in Australia is now trivalent (TIV) — three strains. The fourth one, B/Yamagata, hasn’t turned up anywhere in the world since 2020, so the WHO and the Australian Influenza Vaccine Committee called time on it. H1N1 stays in the mix, so peace of mind from “piggy flu” is still on the menu — just with one less strain to carry around.
For the fuller picture, see how our workplace flu programs run, or our vaccine science hub.
Myth #6 – I Just Had Flu This Autumn. I’m Immune For The Year
Sadly, no, you aren’t. There are different virus strains that could cause flu. Besides, wouldn’t you want to be completely safe and get a jab that only takes a minute or two?
Myth #7 – I Can No Longer Take Flu Shots If I Missed Them From March To May
Our corporate flu vaccination program was booked for April, but you can have the jab anytime in the year. It is better to have it late than not have it at all.
Myth #8 – Vitamin C Will Be My Armour and Shield Against Flu
The thing is, you can drink a ton of vitamin C supplements until you turn a funny shade of orange, but that won’t prevent you from getting the flu. What’s certain is if you’re wise enough to get the flu shot before the season peaks, you can tell your healthy orange self…. “nicely done”!
Now I wonder, Is Donald Trump a Vitamin C person?
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