Health & Fitness
New Survey Shows Top Flu Misconceptions
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? New findings explain why you might be putting it off!
No one wants to get sick. That explains why, in a recent survey released by CVS/pharmacy, nearly all respondents (99%) said they almost always wash their hands after using the restroom. Yet, only 70% of respondents answered ‘yes’ when asked if they wash their hands after blowing their nose.
Even more surprising, the percentage of respondents dropped to less than half when asked if they planned to get a flu shot in the 2011-12 flu season.
The survey also showed that while people are concerned about germs, they are not taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from the flu, such as getting an annual flu shot. Below are a few common misconceptions that reveal why this may be.
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Misconception #1 - Only children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions need a flu shot
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Truth: While 49% think flu shots are mainly for people who fall in one of these four groups, the CDC actually recommends that everyone ages 6 months and over get an annual flu shot.
Misconception #2 - You can catch the flu from a flu shot
Truth: While 35% believe flu shots can give people the flu, the shot actually contains viruses that are inactivated, making it impossible to get the flu from the flu shot.
Misconception #3 - Flu shots don’t work
Truth: 25% do not think flu shots work very well. While washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing, and avoiding contact with those who are sick can help, the number one thing you can do to prevent the flu is get vaccinated each year.
It’s also important to remember that:
- You need to get a flu shot this year even if you were vaccinated last year or early in 2011. The flu vaccine’s ability to help protect you declines from one year to the next.
- It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your body to provide protection against flu symptoms, so it’s best to get a seasonal flu vaccination as soon as it is available.
- The flu vaccine costs only $29.99 at CVS/pharmacy or MinuteClinic and is covered by many insurance plans.