Many people use the term flu to refer to any illness caused by a virus, such as the common cold or stomach flu, and this can lead to confusion. However, the influenza virus causes a respiratory illness that tends to be more severe than these viruses and is more likely to cause complications. So, lets discuss some concerns that are common, information currently available and the recommendations that Health Canada provides about the flu vaccine.
“Influenza is not a serious illness. I’ll be okay if I get the flu.”
In years when influenza is widespread in Canada, people may die from influenza or its complications, such as pneumonia. Influenza can lead to serious illness in seniors 65 years and older and in other high-risk groups. Getting a flu shot protects not only you, but also helps to limit the spread of flu to people around you. You might have mild symptoms that feel like a cold but someone more vulnerable may suffer serious consequences. Older adults, young children, pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, and those with immune system problems or other medical conditions can become very ill from the flu. When you get the flu shot it helps to protect them as well.
“I have never had influenza, so I do not need to get a Flu shot.”
Symptoms of influenza can vary from mild to severe. Most people likely get sick with influenza several times during their lives. The influenza virus is always evolving so this makes it important to get the updated vaccine each year. The vaccine is designed to protect you against the most harmful strains that caused pandemics in the past such as H1N1 or H2N2. If you do get the flu, the symptoms will be less severe than if you were not vaccinated at all.
“I got the flu after my flu shot”
Flu shots cannot cause influenza illness. Most flu shots contain inactivated or killed influenza viruses. An exception is the nasal spray flu vaccine which contains live weakened strains of influenza, but it cannot cause influenza infection either. However, during the fall and winter there are many different types of viruses that can cause influenza-like symptoms like colds, COVID-19 and RSV. No vaccines can ensure 100% protection from catching a virus, and they take about 2 weeks to gain their full effectiveness. If you do get influenza, the vaccine is designed to decrease how bad the symptoms are and the risk of severe illness, complications, hospitalization, and even death.
“Getting an influenza vaccine every year weakens my immune system.”
Each year the influenza vaccines are updated to try to match the strains of influenza circulating. When you get your annual flu shot it ensures you are getting the best protection against the new strains. The flu shot does not overwork your immune system, it trains your immune system to be able to attack the virus quickly when it enters your body.
We hope you have discovered new information, have resolved common concerns that many people have about the Flu virus and the vaccine and that helps you make the best decision for you and your loved ones. We can’t wait to welcome you to our pharmacy!
