Khaberni - The World Health Organization has published a list of five common myths about the flu vaccine, explaining the scientific facts behind each myth, in a report on its official website. These explanations aim to raise awareness and correct the misconceptions that are widespread among people as the flu season approaches.
The first myth: The flu is not serious, so I do not need the vaccine
The truth: The flu can lead to the deaths of many, as many as 650,000 people annually. And this represents only respiratory deaths, so the potential impact is much higher. Even healthy people can catch the flu, but it particularly affects those whose immune systems are vulnerable. Most of these people will recover within a few weeks, but some may suffer complications including sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and heart or brain inflammation.
The second myth: The flu vaccine can infect me with the flu
The truth: The flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot infect you with the flu. If you feel pain or mild fever, this is a natural immune response to the vaccine and usually lasts only a day or two.
The third myth: The flu vaccine can cause severe side effects
The truth: The flu vaccine is proven to be safe. The occurrence of severe side effects is extremely rare. One in a million people may get Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which causes muscle weakness and paralysis.
The fourth myth: I got the vaccine and still got the flu, so it doesn’t work
The truth: Many influenza viruses circulate all the time, and this is why people may still be susceptible to flu despite vaccination because the virus is specific to a particular strain. However, vaccination improves the chances of protection from the flu. This is especially important for preventing infection in people whose immune systems are vulnerable.
The fifth myth: I am pregnant, so I should not receive the flu vaccine
The truth: Pregnant women in particular should receive the flu vaccine because their immune systems are weaker than usual. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy.
