Don't Let Flu Myths Keep You From Staying Healthy as Flu Season Ramps Up

Northwestern Medicine dispels common flu myths that prevent some from staying healthy

CHICAGO, Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When it comes to the flu and flu shot, there are myths and misunderstandings that can prevent people from staying healthy. While some may consider influenza, commonly known as the flu, to be a more of a nuisance than a serious illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications each year. For individuals who are especially susceptible to developing complications, such as children under the age of five, adults age 65 or older and women who are pregnant, catching the flu can result in serious complications that may even be fatal.

"Vaccination  is the most important way to keep yourself from getting sick with influenza" said Gary A. Noskin, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. "Patients who are reluctant to get the flu shot often believe that it is unnecessary for them or that it may actually cause the flu, neither of which is correct. We know that between five to 20 percent of the population contracts the flu each year, and the majority of them have not been vaccinated."

Below are some common myths and misunderstandings about the flu, followed by the facts:

• I am really only at risk for catching the flu when it is coldest in the middle of winter, so if I can stay safe then I will be okay during the rest of the year.

While the height of the flu season can be during the coldest time of the year, it can also take place in the fall, early spring or even last through multiple seasons. The CDC states that the peak of flu season has occurred anywhere from late November through March, so while it isn't too late to get a flu shot in January, it is usually best to get it earlier in the season.

• It is not important to be vaccinated against the flu if you are healthy.

Being healthy can help prevent someone from getting the flu, but no one is immune, which is why getting the flu shot is so important. Young children, the elderly and pregnant women are at higher risk for flu complications than the general public under any circumstance, so it is especially important for these individuals to get vaccinated. "People living with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma or cardiovascular disease, are also more likely to be severely impacted by the flu," said Noskin.

• Getting the flu shot can give you the flu.

Getting a flu shot cannot give someone the flu. It is possible for someone to get the flu shot and then get sick if he or she was already infected with the virus, or that some mild flu-like symptoms may occur afterward, but these symptoms are rare. "The vaccination cannot give someone the flu. Every flu shot contains a form of the virus that is inactive and no longer infectious," said Noskin.

• It really doesn't matter if I get the flu shot or not because it won't affect anyone but me if I get sick.

Getting a flu shot is not only important for your health, but the health of those around you. "Passing on the flu to loved ones, co-workers or anyone you happen to stand next to is very easy. Just one cough or sneeze sends thousands of tiny, infectious droplets into the air, and that can infect anyone who is at risk of more serious complications from the flu," said Noskin. "Interestingly, you can start spreading the flu up to 24 hours before you develop symptoms or even know you have been infected."

Even though the flu won't put most people in the hospital, it is always best to stay healthy. While getting a seasonal flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu, there are additional ways to stay healthy and infection free.

"It is important to regularly wash your hands with soap and water. Everyday interactions and routines cause us to come in contact with surfaces that are frequently used by others, such as keyboards, phones and doorknobs. Because soap and water isn't always easily available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can offer a quick and simple solution that is just as effective," said Noskin.

More information about the flu, as well as flu shot locations and schedules can be found online.

About Northwestern Medicine®
Northwestern Medicine® is the collaboration between Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine around a strategic vision to transform the future of healthcare.  It encompasses the research, teaching and patient care activities of the academic medical center. Sharing a commitment to superior quality, academic excellence and patient safety, the organizations within Northwestern Medicine comprise more than 9,000 clinical and administrative staff, 3,100 medical and science faculty and 700 students. The entities involved in Northwestern Medicine remain separate organizations. Northwestern Medicine is a trademark of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and is used by Northwestern University.

About Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Memorial is one of the country's premier academic medical center hospitals and is the primary teaching hospital of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Along with its Prentice Women's Hospital and Stone Institute of Psychiatry, the hospital has 1,705 affiliated physicians and 6,769 employees.  Northwestern Memorial is recognized for providing exemplary patient care and state-of-the art advancements in the areas of cardiovascular care; women's health; oncology; neurology and neurosurgery; solid organ and soft tissue transplants and orthopaedics.

Northwestern Memorial has nursing Magnet Status, the nation's highest recognition for patient care and nursing excellence. Northwestern Memorial ranks 6^th in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2013-14 Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals. The hospital is recognized in 14 of 16 clinical specialties rated by U.S. News and is No. 1 in Illinois and Chicago in U.S. News' 2013-14 state and metro rankings, respectively. For 14 years running, Northwestern Memorial has been rated among the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers" guide by Working Mother magazine. The hospital is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Health Care Award and has been chosen by Chicagoans as the Consumer Choice according to the National Research Corporation's annual survey for 15 consecutive years. 

SOURCE Northwestern Medicine