As the holidays approach, so does a not-so-pleasant time of year — flu season. Whether you vaccinate your children or are considering vaccinating them for the first time, having the facts is imperative to your family’s health and safety. However, there are several skewed pieces of information out there regarding influenza and the vaccine which could prevent you from taking the proper precautions. So, what are common flu vaccine misconceptions?
A Flu Shot Causes The Flu
Flu shots do not cause the onset of flu symptoms. You may notice some side effects such as soreness, redness, or possible swelling at the injection spot. In rare cases, there may be instances of headaches, a low grade fever, or potential muscle aches.
When a flu vaccine is made, it is either conceived from an inactive flu virus that is no longer infectious, or without any flu viruses such as in the case of the recombinant vaccine. A vaccine does not contain active flu viruses that can cause the illness.
Getting the Flu Is Better For Your Immune System
Absolutely not! Influenza is a serious disease that can have serious complications and can even be fatal. This is particularly true amongst young children, senior citizens, or those with certain chronic health conditions.
Even amongst the healthiest of children and adults, the flu can mean hospitalization and even death. Vaccination is by far a safer choice than risking a dangerous illness to strengthen your immune system.
Pregnant Women Should Not Get Vaccinated
No way! Pregnant women or people with pre-existing conditions do not need to avoid vaccinations or require special consent from their doctor.
If you have any concerns about receiving vaccinations during pregnancy or for any other reason, consult with your primary care provider.
A Flu Vaccine Won’t Protect You From New Strains
Getting vaccinated helps your body fight off the strains included in the current vaccine, but it also helps your immune system fight off any other strains that may inevitably develop. This is also why the vaccine is updated every year, to keep your body up to date on the latest flu strains and keep your immune system strong. Additionally, the effectiveness of the vaccine declines after one year, and staying up to date is important.
Don’t fear flu season, and don’t fear the flu vaccine! The positives for vaccinating you and your family far outweigh any possible negatives, and protecting your loved ones from a potentially fatal disease in a time when it is the most prevalent is the safest choice to make.
For further information regarding flu vaccinations, contact the experts at Grow Pediatrics today!
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