October 2012 Health Update
***The flu vaccine is available! You can come into the lab or call the office at (519) 250-6990 for more information***
The FLU VACCINE: Dispelling the Myths
With the flu season looming just around the corner, we encourage everyone to take a moment to read the myths and facts about the flu vaccine.
But FIRST, let's discuss what the flu usually looks like... Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Both the common cold and the flu are caused by viruses, so it can sometimes be tough to tell the difference:
| SYMPTOMS |
COLD |
FLU |
| Fever |
Rare |
Usual: 100-102F, lasts 3-4 days |
|
Symptom onset |
Gradual | Abrupt |
| Aches | Slight |
Usual, often severe |
| Chills | Uncommon |
Fairly common |
|
Tiredness, weakness |
Sometimes | Usual |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes |
|
Stuffy Nose |
Common | Sometimes |
|
Sore Throat |
Common | Sometimes |
|
Chest discomfort, cough |
Mild to moderate, hacking |
Common, can be severe |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
**Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults**
Now, onto the myths..
MYTH: I'm healthy and young, so I don't need a flu shot
FACT: The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) promotes the flu shot for all people over six months of age. It is available free of charge to all Ontarians. The flu (or influenza virus) can affect even children and healthy young adults, and the average length of illness is 7 days. There is also the risk that you could pass the flu on to others who are more at risk, such as those with weakened immune systems, young children, the elderly, and pregnant women - for these individuals, the effects of the flu can be much worse.
MYTH: I don't need another flu shot, I got one last year
FACT: The virus that causes the flu changes every year, and you many not be fully protected from last year's vaccine. Last year's flu shot may have also worn off by this year, so a yearly booster shot is best to maintain protection
This year, the flu protects against 3 strains of influenza: H1N1 (the same strain as last year), and an H3N2 and Influenza B virus (both different from last year's strain)
MYTH: Getting the flu shot will give me the flu
FACT: There are no ingredients in the flu vaccine that could cause the flu. It is an "inactivated" virus, meaning that there are only killed viruses in the shot: enough to build up an immunity, but not possible of causing the flu. Often, it is coincidence as there are many cold and other respiratory viruses circulating at the time that may cause illness.
MYTH: The flu is just a bad cold
FACT: The flu can be much worse than the common cold. Even mild cases can leave you feeling sick for days, and it is possible to develop complications such as pneumonia from the influenza virus.
MYTH: The flu shot is not worth getting because it's not very effective
FACT: The seasonal flu shot is typically 70 to 90 per cent effective in preventing the flu in healthy children and adults, when the vaccine is a good match to the influenza types circulating that flu season.
MYTH: You should not get the flu vaccine if you are pregnant
FACT: Pregnant women are just as likely as everyone else to get the flu, however their risks are higher for complications if they get the infection - especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters and 6 weeks postpartum.
Flu shots are safe and recommended for ALL pregnant women
MYTH: I didn't get the flu shot last year and I didn't get sick. I won't get sick this year either.
FACT: Just because you have not had the flu yet does not mean you will never get the flu.
MYTH: There are too many side effects of the flu vaccine.
FACT: The flu shot, like any other medicine, can cause side effects. Most people have no side effects or very mild side effects such as: soreness, redness, and swelling at the site of the injection.
The chance of a severe allergic reaction is slim, but just to be sure we suggest staying at the clinic for 20 minutes after your shot. We have a number of providers here who are trained to monitor and treat any severe reactions.
MYTH: I don't want Guillan-Barre Syndrome, so I won't get my flu shot.
FACT: Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a very rare disease that causes muscle paralysis and is related to various infectious diseases. Your chance of developing GBS is higher from the influenza virus itself than it is from the influenza vaccine.
References:
-Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (2012). www.health.gov.on.ca
-U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2012). www.cdc.gov
