Flu Shot Myths Debunked – And Win a $160 Shoppers Drug Mart Prize Pack

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED

Flu season is here again, along with messages from medical experts urging people to protect themselves with the flu shot. There are also many myths about the flu shot floating around (especially online!) which may have you worried unnecessarily. Here we debunk many of those myths!

The flu is basically the same as a common cold and isn’t that serious.

FALSE. A cold tends to develop gradually, usually over the course of a day or two and can last up to two weeks.  Flu can come out of nowhere and hit hard, with a fever lasting a few days and weakness and tiredness potentially for several weeks. The flu can also have very serious consequences – it is estimated that 12,200 people are hospitalized, and about 3,500 die each year from the flu. By getting the flu shot you can help ensure every family member is protected, especially those most vulnerable like children and the elderly.

The flu vaccine gives you the flu.

FALSE. Flu vaccinations delivered via a needle are either made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus that’s not infectious, or with no flu virus at all.

You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.

FALSE. In order to best protect yourself from the flu you need to be vaccinated annually. Getting a vaccine doesn’t need to be a complicated, time-consuming process.  Canadians can drop in to their local Shoppers Drug Mart or select grocery stores at any time of day, without an appointment.

The Winn family is ready for flu season!

Healthy people don’t need to get vaccinated.

FALSE. When you get the flu shot, you’re not just protecting yourself but also those you love. Even if you’re healthy, it’s possible to spread the virus to others who may more susceptible to flu, or high-risk groups like children, the elderly or pregnant women.

You should wait until the height of flu season to get vaccinated so you’re protected for longer.

FALSE. While it’s never too late to get vaccinated, it’s best to receive your flu shot soon after it’s available, likely October. The antibodies delivered via the flu vaccine that protect you against infection take up to two weeks to take effect, and since the flu peaks between December – February it’s important to get vaccinated weeks before the holiday party season starts.

While my younger daughter gets nervous about needles, both agreed   afterwards that it was quick and easy!

Pregnant women need to get consent from their doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine.

FALSE. There is no recommendation for pregnant women to seek consent from their doctor prior to vaccination. However, there are some people who should seek their doctors’ advice prior to being vaccinated, including those who have a moderate – to – severe illness and patients with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Some of my readers have asked other questions about the safety of the flu shot, and you can find lots more information here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-shot-safety

Now it’s time for one lucky Canadian This Mom Loves reader to win an awesome flu-fighting pack from Shoppers Drug Mart valued at approximately $160, which includes:

• Life Brand Hand Sanitizer
• Life Brand Cough Drops
• Life Brand Vaporizing Cold Rub
• Life Brand Electrolyte Maintenance Powder
• Life Brand Vaporizer
• Life Brand Digital Thermometer
• No Name Disinfectant Wipes
• PC Chicken Noodle Soup
• PC Facial Tissues
• PC Feeling Soothed Tea
• $100 gift card