On the Road with Polly: Debunking Flu Shot Myths with Health Officials

For this edition of "On the Road with Polly," we're sitting down with Madison County Public Health to learn the facts about the flu shot, including whether some of those myths we've all heard are true.

The goal is to make sure everyone has the facts about the flu shots so they can make an informed decision about what's best for their body during the flu season, which runs from October to June.

Let's start with the big one: The flu shot gives you the flu. Not true!

The flu shot is not made with live flu virus so it cannot give you the flu. Some people may experience some soreness, redness, or swelling where they receive their shot. Others may have mild cold-like symptoms that go away within a few days.

See our full conversation here:

Flu Shots for All

The flu shot is not just for the elderly population. It's for anyone 6 months of age or older, and experts suggest getting the shot each flu season to protect against the most prevalent variants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, an annual shot can help prevent you from getting the flu or reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get it — including reducing the likelihood that you would need to be hospitalized or need treatment in the ICU. It can also reduce the chances that you'd spread the flu to others.

Flu Prevention

There are a number of other ways to help prevent the flu. It's pretty much everything we were doing during the COVID pandemic: washing hands, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, disinfecting surfaces, staying hydrated, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Want the Flu Shot?

I decided to get my first flu shot and only experienced a little soreness at the injection site for a few hours.

If you'd like to get the flu shot this year, check with your doctor, pharmacy, or local health department to learn where it's available near you. If you’d like to make an appointment for a Madison County Public Health clinic please call 315-366-2361 and choose option 2.