8 Myths About the Flu and the Flu Vaccine
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. Those vaccines used at work had a funky name- Quadrivalent vaccines, which contained 4 strains of the virus, including the swine flu. Impressive hey! So take the flu jab and get peace of mind from “piggy flu.”
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?
- Behind the Syringe
- Flu Insights
Introducing Aitor Aspiazu, your go-to flu expert and a Registered Nurse accredited by AHPRA (NMW0001159845). Boasting over two decades of experience in healthcare, Aitor has navigated everything from Emergency Departments to Corporate Wellness Programs—and yes, he’s even battled the flu himself. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the driving force behind workplace health and well-being. No longer in scrubs, he’s now at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging Artificial Intelligence and automation to revolutionise workplace health and well-being. As the Founder and Lead Nurse Consultant at Corporate Care, he’s the visionary behind cutting-edge flu vaccination programs that keep businesses running smoothly. Off-duty, he’s a proud dad and a Padel addict who represented Australia in the World Padel Championship. Trust Aitor; he’s got your back when it comes to flu prevention and modern healthcare solutions.