5 Flu & Vaccine Myths Debunked: Protect Yourself This Season

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a preventable illness thanks to vaccination. In many countries, the flu vaccine is recommended for all age groups, particularly those considered vulnerable, as complications from the flu can be serious. Despite this, numerous myths surrounding the flu and the flu vaccine persist, spreading through word-of-mouth and social media. These misconceptions often deter individuals from protecting themselves through vaccination.

Yet, the flu vaccine is proven to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and even death caused by influenza. Here, we debunk five common myths about the flu and its vaccine.

5 Myths About the Flu and Its Vaccine That Are Often Misunderstood

1. The Flu Vaccine Doesn’t Fully Prevent the Flu

A prevalent myth is the belief that the flu vaccine is ineffective because individuals can still contract the flu even after being vaccinated. This is a misunderstanding of how the vaccine works.

The flu vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies that fight against circulating influenza viruses. Each year, several different strains of influenza viruses emerge, and mutate. The flu vaccine is formulated based on predictions of the strains most likely to spread during that particular season.

“When there’s a good match between the vaccine and circulating strains, the vaccine works very effectively. However, even if there isn’t a perfect match, there’s usually some cross-protection, meaning that if someone does get the flu, their symptoms will likely be milder,” explains Megan Culler Freeman, assistant professor of pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

2. Getting a Flu Shot Can Give You the Flu

Another common fear is the belief that the flu vaccine itself can cause the flu. This is simply not true.

“Flu vaccines are made with inactivated viruses, so it’s impossible to get the flu from the vaccine,” says David Brill, a physician at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

He explains that some individuals may experience body aches or feel unwell for a day or two after vaccination. However, this is a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine, not that they have contracted the flu.

It’s important to remember that it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop antibodies. If someone contracts the flu within that timeframe, it is not due to the vaccine.

3. The Vaccine Is Useless Once Flu Season Begins

Many people believe that the flu vaccine is only effective if administered before the flu season starts. However, influenza viruses can continue to circulate for months, and the timing of the season is not always predictable.

Experts recommend vaccination before the end of October to allow sufficient time for protection to develop as viruses begin to spread. However, if you miss this window, the vaccine remains beneficial.

“As long as flu viruses are circulating, the flu vaccine is still worthwhile,” says Dr. Brill. This means it’s never too late to protect yourself during the flu season.

4. It’s Healthier to Get the Flu Naturally to Build Natural Immunity

There’s a misconception that allowing the body to fight off the flu naturally is healthier than getting vaccinated. In reality, the flu is not a mild illness to be taken lightly.

“There’s nothing healthy about getting the flu naturally. The flu can have a significant impact,” says Dr. Freeman.

Beyond causing 7–10 days of discomfort with fever, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue, the flu can also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, heart inflammation, brain inflammation, and even death.

Dr. Brill adds that the vaccine does not weaken the immune system; rather, it stimulates it to work in a desired direction without requiring the individual to experience the illness itself.

5. Young, Healthy People Don’t Need to Worry About the Flu

The final myth is the belief that the flu only poses a danger to the elderly or individuals with chronic illnesses. However, this is not the case.

In reality, the flu can affect anyone, including children and healthy adults.

Beyond protecting oneself, getting the flu vaccine also helps protect others in the community. The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely the virus is to spread. This concept is known as herd immunity.

Myths surrounding the flu and the flu vaccine can lead to risky decisions. Protecting yourself with a vaccine also means protecting those around you who may be more vulnerable.