Every year, as we start to head into Autumn, I urge people to ensure they have had their flu vaccination. This year, in the shadow of Covid and all the challenges that brings, it is more important than ever that people get themselves vaccinated. Getting a flu jab is quick and simple and over in seconds. Getting flu on the other hand is far less pleasant!
Frustratingly, I know that there are some myths around flu, and the vaccine, that have prevented people from getting themselves vaccinated. So I thought it might be helpful to ensure that we are all armed with the key facts to help persuade those who are sceptical of the merits of vaccination. Here, I present the ultimate flu myth buster…
Firstly, myth 1 – healthy people don’t get flu…unfortunately, anyone can get flu, including young and healthy people too. Generally, 15-20% of the population gets flu each year and that means you can pass it on to someone more at risk of serious illness.
Myth 2 – flu is a mild illness so I don’t need to be vaccinated. For the majority of people who catch flu it is simply unpleasant, but for some it is much more serious. Seasonal flu accounts for 3-5 million cases of severe illness globally, and 250,000-500,000 deaths.
Myth 3 – health workers who have never had the flu don’t need the vaccine. Not only does the vaccine keep you safe and well, it also protects your colleagues and patients from you! And because the flu virus mutates every year, you may not have symptoms yourself but could still be passing it on to others more susceptible without even knowing.
Myth 4 – the side effects of the vaccination are really bad. Not true, as thankfully for most people the side effects are mild or non-existent, though may include a slight soreness around the injection site, aching muscles and a slightly raised temperature for a couple of days. All a lot more pleasant than contacting the flu itself!
Myth 5 – if you’ve had the vaccine before you don’t need it again. Simply put, people should be vaccinated against the flu every year. We don’t know how long immunity lasts, and the virus itself mutates, so the best option is to get vaccinated every year.
Myth 6 – the flu jab isn’t safe. The risk of having a serious (anaphylactic) reaction to the flu vaccine is less than 1 in 1million and certainly a lot less than the risk of getting seriously ill from having flu itself. The only people who should not get the vaccine are those who have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine before. Those who have serious allergic reactions to hens’ eggs may still be able to be vaccinated or have an egg free vaccine.
Myth 7 – the flu jab can give you the flu. This one is a popular myth, but I’m pleased to say that is impossible to get the flu from having the flu jab as the vaccine does not contain any live virus. Occasionally some people may experience side effects similar to flu, such as aching muscles, but this is simply your immune system doing what it should and kicking in to protect you. There is also the possibility that you may have been incubating another virus at the time of having your vaccine, but having the jab will not be the cause of your illness.
Myth 8 – the vaccine hasn’t properly been tested. In fact, the seasonal flu vaccine is one of the safest vaccines in the world given to millions of people in the UK every year. Though specific strains of flu that are included may change each year, the safety of the vaccine does not.
Myth 9 – the vaccine doesn’t work. Thankfully we know, because of studies and large amounts of data, that the flu vaccine gives a good level of protection against flu virus strains that are well matched in the vaccine.
Myth 10 – pregnant women can’t have the jab. In fact, it is incredibly important for pregnant women to have the flu jab at any stage of their pregnancy as it helps protect the baby from flu during the first few months of life.
Given the added pressures of Covid-19, it has never been more vital that people get vaccinated against the flu to protect yourself, your patients, your families and each other.
Professor Cheryl Lenney OBE, Chief Nurse, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust