Experts clarify 6 myths about the flu vaccine

Another flu season is approaching and, as in previous years, doctors are advising people to get vaccinated against the disease. Generally, the increase in the number of flu cases occurs every year during autumn and winter, occurring most strongly between the months of April and August in Brazil.

The danger of the flu

Influenza is an acute infection of the respiratory system, caused by the influenza virus, with high transmission potential. As the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights, flu should not be seen as something irrelevant. This is because the condition can evolve into more serious forms, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)and even lead to deathespecially among high-risk groups.

In recent years, for example, it is estimated that between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred in people aged 65 and over. Additionally, between 50% and 70% of the season’s flu-related hospitalizations occurred among people in this age group.

There are four flu viruses: A, B, C and D, with types A and B being those that normally circulate annually. Generally, the frames begin with symptoms sudden fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, malaise, sore throat and runny nose. The disease is transmitted through airway secretions in contact with a sick person or through objects touched by them.

Although for many people the flu is seen as just an unpleasant illness with milder symptoms, it can become a serious illness, especially for certain risk groups, such as people with chronic illnesses (asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes), pregnant women, the elderly and children under 5 years of age, which can worsen and lead to secondary complications.

Prevention and treatment

According to the Ministry of Health, annual flu vaccination is the most important action for disease prevention. However, some people still have doubts when it comes to their vaccination and, unfortunately, there is no shortage of incorrect information about it. Such misconceptions often prevent people from getting vaccinated against the flu.

Myths and truths about the flu vaccine

A team of experts clarified the main myths and truths about the flu vaccine. Check out:

Myth 1 – If you get the vaccine, you will get the flu

According to the Butantan Institute, the vaccine does not cause flu, whether trivalent or quadrivalent (or tetravalent). It reduces the risk, but if you still get the disease, your symptoms should be less severe than if you had not received the vaccine. This is because it stimulates the immune system to defend against the virus, helping to significantly reduce associated health complications, hospitalizations and severe respiratory symptoms.

Myth 2 – The flu is not that serious, so it is not necessary to get the vaccine

The flu must be taken seriously as it can lead to serious complications and hospitalization, especially for at-risk groups. It is estimated that influenza affects one billion people worldwide every year and, on average, 290,000 to 650,000 people die from the flu annually.

Even if you feel healthy and contracting the virus may not affect your long-term health, it is important to remember that the people you come into contact with on a daily basis will also be at risk.

“Often, healthy adults think that getting the flu vaccine is not important, as they do not necessarily belong to a risk group. However, they may have daily contact with family and friends who belong to a risk group (such as the elderly , young children, parents with young children and pregnant women) and then transmit the virus to them”, says Dr. Alberto Chebabo, infectious disease doctor and President of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases (SBI).

Educating yourself about the flu vaccine and knowing what precautions are available is not just for your personal benefit, it’s for everyone around you. When you have the flu and come into contact with people from these groups, you also put them at risk.

“Another very important point is that if you start to experience flu-like symptoms, go to your doctor as soon as possible to get tested. Antiviral medication works best if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, so getting it done testing earlier can lead to better results”, highlights Dr. Oscar Guerra, Medical Director of Abbott’s Rapid Diagnostics Division for Latin America.

Myth 3 – You don’t need to get the flu vaccine if you already got it last year

You need to be vaccinated every year for two very important reasons. First, the flu virus is constantly changing. As flu virus strains change, new vaccines must be developed to protect against these new strains. As a result, last year’s vaccine may not be prepared to combat this season’s common flu viruses.

Second, although your seasonal flu vaccine should protect you during the season, the antibodies your body produces to protect you wane over time. Participating in flu vaccinations every year can help maintain protection against the flu year after year.

Myth 4 – The flu is not dangerous for children

Children under 5 are more likely to develop serious complications if they contract the flu, and the vaccine helps reduce this risk. A 2017 study published in Pediatrics showed that the flu vaccine reduced the risk of flu-associated death by 65% ​​in healthy children and youth ages 17 and younger. In this sense, the Ministry of Health recommends that everyone over 6 months of age be vaccinated against the flu.

Myth 5 – The flu vaccine makes you more susceptible to other respiratory viruses

Based on the most current research, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found no evidence that the flu vaccine makes people more susceptible to other respiratory infections. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases showed that getting a flu shot does not weaken your immune system.

Myth 6 – There is no way to differentiate flu from Covid-19

In addition to vaccination, it is also important to continue testing yourself to prevent contamination and spread of the virus. Especially in the colder weather months, when people tend to gather indoors in dry air, there may be an increase in the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu (influenza) and Covid-19.

These infections share similar symptoms – such as cough, runny nose or congestion, fever, sore throat, fatigue and headache; it is difficult to make a diagnosis just considering the symptoms, without testing.

Essential care

Remember: if you have contracted the flu, it is important to take care of yourself. This means adopting a light diet, rest and staying hydrated. This is because hydration is an important part of recovery from the flu, helping not only to alleviate symptoms, but also helping the body begin to recover.

“The flu can be accompanied by a very high fever, which increases the elimination of sweat and promotes dehydration”, adds Dr. Chebabo.

To find out more about the subject, visit the Stay Immune website.