FACES OF INFLUENZA ® - American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program in Collaboration with sanofi pasteur

Find Out What Is Myth and What Is Fact When It Comes to Influenza

Myth:
Influenza is no more than a nuisance, much like the common cold, that cannot be prevented.

Fact:
Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a severe respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death.^{1, 10} Each year in the US, on average, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations.¹ Depending on virus severity during the influenza season, deaths can range from 3000 to a high of about 49,000 people.⁸

Myth:
You can get influenza from a flu shot.

Fact:
The flu shot does not contain the live virus so it is impossible to get influenza from the vaccine. Side effects may occur in some people, such as mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, headache, or a low-grade fever. Vaccination is safe and effective, and the best way to help prevent influenza.¹

Myth:
There’s only one type of vaccine available to help protect against the influenza virus.

Fact:
Influenza vaccine options are available for children, adults, and seniors. Talk to your health care provider to find out more about the vaccine option that's right for you and your family this influenza season.

Myth:
I missed the chance to get an influenza vaccination in the fall, so now I have to wait until next year.

Fact:
You and your loved ones can get vaccinated at any point during the influenza season. You should be immunized as soon as vaccine is available in the late summer or early fall. Even if you didn’t have a chance to get vaccinated early in the influenza season, immunization into the spring or as long as the influenza virus is in circulation can be beneficial. This is because in many seasons, influenza activity doesn’t peak until winter or early spring. In fact, as long as influenza viruses are in circulation, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated. Talk to your health care provider for more information about the importance of influenza vaccination and to find out more about the vaccine option that’s right for you and your family this influenza season.

Myth:
The flu changes every year, so getting a flu shot will not protect me from getting sick.

Fact:
Influenza is unpredictable and viruses change throughout the year. That is why the composition of the influenza vaccine changes each year as well. Getting vaccinated annually is the best way to help protect against influenza. Even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, it may offer some protection against a different, but related, strain that may begin to circulate in the community. This could mean milder illness or prevention of complications.¹