When summer is over, flu season is upon us. Test your knowledge with the following facts about the flu and flu shots:
- MOST INSURANCE PLANS OFFER THE FLU VACCINE FREE OF CHARGE. TRUE - Other affordable alternatives are pharmacies and walk-in clinics.
- THERE IS A CHANCE THE FLU SHOT CAN HAVE SIDE EFFECTS. TRUE -The viruses in inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. A vaccine, like any medication, could cause severe allergic reactions. Serious problems from a flu shot are rare and the risk is extremely small
- ONLY PEOPLE OVER 65 NEED TO GET FLU SHOTS. FALSE - All people 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. There are people who should NOT be vaccinated.
- IF YOU DO GET THE FLU, AN ANTIBIOTIC WILL HELP YOU FEEL BETTER. FALSE - Once and for all – ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT HELP – but there are some prescription anti-virals that may help if used early on.
- COLD AND FLU VIRUSES CAN LIVE ON SURFACES LIKE DOORKNOBS. TRUE - When a person sneezes or coughs, droplets that contain the virus can fly into the air and settle on surfaces. That’s why hand washing and disinfecting surfaces is so important.