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Flu Shot Myths and Facts

It鈥檚 time to get your flu shot!

Influenza, usually called 鈥渢he flu,鈥� is a virus that can make you very sick. Flu season鈥攎eaning the time most people get sick鈥攕tarts in October and ends in May.

Some common myths and facts about the flu are shown below. Use this information to make the right health choices for you and your family.

Myth: 

I don鈥檛 need the flu shot because I'm healthy.

Fact:  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone gets a flu shot beginning at six months old.

Even if you are healthy, you can still get very sick from the flu. You might get only a mild case, but you can spread it to people who are elderly or who have chronic illnesses.

Myth:

The flu is not very serious.

Fact:

Each year, thousands of people get so sick from the flu they are admitted to the hospital. Some die.

Getting a flu shot is an easy way to prevent a health emergency.

Myth:

I鈥檓 pregnant, so I can't get a flu shot.

Fact:

If you get the flu while pregnant, you are at higher risk of serious illness.

By getting a flu shot, even if you are pregnant, you protect yourself and your baby. Infants younger than six months are not able to get a flu shot.

Myth:

If I get a flu shot, I will get sick with the flu.

Fact:

Flu shots do not cause the flu.

The shots, or vaccines, contain either killed viruses or weakened live viruses. You might have side effects like soreness, redness, achiness, or a mild fever. That does not mean you have the flu.

Myth:

I will probably have side effects if I get a flu shot.

Fact:

Many people do not have side effects. If you do, the symptoms will usually be mild.

Myth:

I don鈥檛 need to get a flu shot because I got one last year.

Fact:

The flu virus changes every year鈥攁nd so does the flu shot. That鈥檚 why you need to get a flu shot every year.

Schedule yours today!

Get a flu shot, earn a reward

If you report your flu shot, you can earn a reward to spend on items on the  website.

Rewards include gift cards, baby supplies, grooming items, sports equipment, and many other items .

Benefits and value-added services were current at the time of publication. Click here for the current list.