Arizona Flu Shot Myths – 8 Fables About The Flu You Probably Believe

#1 – The Flu Shot Will Cause the Flu

The flu vaccine will not cause you to become sick with the flu. This is the greatest and most often talked about myth associated with the flu – getting the vaccine will not make you sick, in fact it could very well keep you healthy. There is a stark difference between mild symptoms of the flu, which the nasal spray can induce, and a full-blown Arizona flu attack. Talk to your Phoenix physician before getting the flu shot to ensure that you won’t have a reaction.

#2 – It’s Quicker and Easier To Get The Flu Vaccine At My Local Pharmacist

While you might think that getting the flu shot down the street at the local pharmacist is quicker and easier, it might not be the best option. It is recommended by the CDC that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, but there are some considerations that you should discuss with your Arizona family physician; egg allergies, history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, currently have the flu or a fever.

Make an appointment with a professional at Family Practice Specialists to get your flu shot. Give us a call at 602.955.8700 or visit our offices located at 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

#3 – The Flu Shot Guarantees You Won’t Get Sick

Unfortunately, there are many strains of the flu floating around Arizona right now, and the flu vaccine just cannot prevent all of them. However, the flu vaccine is created to combat the most prevalent forms of the 2013 flu, so it is imperative that you speak to your physician about it’s benefits.

#4 – Antibiotics Will Fight The Flu Effectively

This is another big misconception when it comes to flu myths. Antibiotics only fight bacterial infections, plain and simple. The flu is not caused by a bacterial infection, it is caused by a virus, thus it cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics.

#5 – The Stomach Flu is a form of the Seasonal Flu

Many Arizona flu patients get this one myth confused because the stomach flu and the seasonal flu both use the same term, but they are not the same thing. The term ‘flu’ is greatly overused, and the stomach flu is quite simply a stomach virus with no connection to the seasonal flu.

#6 – You Only Need the Flu Vaccine if Your Young or Elderly

If your healthy, in shape, eat right, exercise and don’t often get sick, you don’t need the flu shot, right? In fact, you still do need the flu shot and can benefit greatly from it by protecting your family. While getting the flu might not affect you greatly, passing it along to your kids, pregnant wife or mom and dad can impact their lives dramatically. Talk to your Phoenix doctor today about getting that flu vaccine.

#7 – Being Cold and Wet Will Cause the Flu

This is more than a myth, it’s an age-old wives tale that dates back generations. Running through the snow right after a cold shower will not cause you to come down with the flu, even though mom and dad might have told you that once when you were young. The flu can only be caused by the flu, and you will only get it if you run outside with a friend that also has the flu.

#8 – You Can’t Prevent the Flu

In fact, in Arizona there are a few easy and healthy steps that you can take right now to prevent the flu, or at least do your part. Getting the flu vaccine is one, and we can’t stress that enough. With the onset of one of the worst flu seasons in many years, we highly suggest getting the flu vaccine. But, on top of getting the flu vaccine, or if you haven’t had time to come see us yet, you can do a few other things to protect yourself:

• Take Vitamins – Yes, increasing your Vitamin C intake as well as your Vitamin A, E and beta-carotene intake will help your body stay healthy during flu season.

• Reduce Stress – This is one of the keys to staying healthy. All of the doctors at Family Practice Specialists agree that reducing stress will keep your body healthy and benefit your immune system.

• Get Plenty of Sleep – This is definitely not the time of year to change your sleeping patterns.

• Follow Healthy Routines – Wash your hands, do not touch your face, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and did we mention WASH YOUR HANDS.

If you think that you are at risk for getting the flu this season in Arizona , give us a call today. There is still time to get your flu vaccine and prevent the spread of the flu.