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Many misconceptions about the influenza virus and influenza vaccine persist, despite the widespread impact of the disease and the benefit of vaccine.

Myth: Influenza is no more than a nuisance, much like common cold that cannot be prevented.
Fact: Influenza, commonly referred to as “flu”, is a severe and sometimes life-threatening disease that causes an average of 36 000 deaths and approximately 226000 hospitalizations in the US each year. You can avoid getting influenza by getting vaccinated each year.

Myth: It is not necessary to get immunized against influenza every year because protection lasts from previous vaccinations.
Fact: The types of influenza viruses circulating in the community change from year to year. Because of this, a new vaccine is made each year to protect against the current strains. Also immunity to influenza viruses only lasts for a year, so it is important to get vaccinated against influenza every year.

Myth: People should not get immunized against Influenza if they are sick.
Fact: Minor illness with or without fever should not prevent against vaccination, especially in children with mild upper respiratory tract infections (colds) or upper respiratory allergies. In addition people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease have a higher risk for contracting the influenza virus and for developing complications. These individuals should be immunized each year. Individuals with severe allergies to eggs or those who have had previous vaccine-associated allergic reaction should avoid immunization. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

Myth: Only the elderly are at risk for developing serious complications from the influenza virus.
Fact: Influenza impacts people of all ages. Each year, more than 226 000 Americans are hospitalized and about 36 000 die from influenza-related complications, including an average of 92 children under the age of 5.

Myth: I missed the chance to get an influenza vaccination before the winter season, I have to wait for next year.
Fact: It is never too late to get vaccinated. The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season but vaccination during the flu season is still beneficial as the virus circulates well into winter.

For more information speak to your healthcare provider.

( sanofi pasteur, Solvay Pharma (Pty) Ltd and Biovac, April 2007)

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