1. Are people with chronic conditions considered high risk for catching the flu?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: Anyone exposed to the flu virus can get the flu. The virus is contagious and can spread easily among people. High-risk groups are typically defined as the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses. All people who are in close contact with those who are considered "high risk" are advised to get a flu vaccination to help protect themselves and others.
|
2. I got vaccinated last year, do I need to get vaccinated this year?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: Last year’s vaccination is unlikely to protect a person against influenza this year. One reason for this is a person’s immunity after flu vaccination declines over the year after vaccination. A second reason is because flu viruses change continually, each year’s flu vaccine is formulated to include currently circulating flu virus strains. It is important to get vaccinated every year to help protect yourself and others you come into contact with against the flu.
|
3. Is the flu just another name for a bad cold?
|
Yes No
|
The Answer is NO: A cold and the flu are both respiratory illnesses but they are caused by different viruses. In general, the flu is worse than a cold and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness and dry cough are more common and intense. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Unlike flu, colds generally do not result in serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalization. No vaccine can yet prevent a cold, but the flu vaccine can help prevent the flu.
|
4. Can the flu vaccine actually make you more susceptible to getting the flu?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is NO: You cannot get the flu by receiving a flu shot. The injectable vaccine is composed of an inactivated (killed) virus that cannot cause disease. Minor side effects can occur such as low grade fever or achiness, but this is not the flu.
|
5. Can you get really sick from the flu? Could you actually die from
complications of the flu?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: In fact, in the United States there are about 36,000 influenza-related deaths annually. Flu and pneumonia together are the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may experience sinus problems and ear infections.
|
6. Is there any way to actually diagnose the flu?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: A physician may diagnose flu based on symptoms and a physical exam. In addition, laboratory tests can confirm a flu diagnosis. The virus may be cultured from swabs of your deep nasal passages or throat, or blood tests may confirm a rise in your antibody to the virus, indicating a recent infection.
|
7. Is it important for family caregivers and home care aides to get a flu
shot each year?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: You and any people who regularly help you with your caregiving responsibilities should be vaccinated annually for two reasons: (1) you can transmit the flu to your loved one, and (2) because if you get laid up with the flu who is going to step into your shoes?
|
8. If I don’t get vaccinated by October or November does it still pay to get one?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is YES: According to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), flu activity can begin to increase as early as October or November but, in the majority of recent influenza seasons, has not reached peak levels until late December through early March. While the timing of flu activity can vary by region, flu vaccine administered after November is still likely to be beneficial.
|
9. Will the flu vaccine also protect me and my loved one from the stomach flu?
|
Yes No
|
|
The Answer is NO: People often use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but there are many other viruses, bacteria or even parasites that are more likely the cause of these symptoms. While vomiting, diarrhea and feeling nauseated or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu – particularly in children – these problems are rarely the main symptoms of influenza. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.
|
Please share this information with friends and family. It is important that everyone knows the truth about the flu.
