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Flu Shot Myths & Seasonal Illness

BE SMART. STAY HEALTHY. GET YOUR FLU SHOT TODAY.

Did you know your $0 annual flu shot:

• Helps protect you – and your loved ones – against the flu
• Reduces the risk of serious illness so you can stay active and healthy

Don’t delay! Get your $0 flu shot from your primary care provider or preferred pharmacy before the end of October for maximum protection. Plus, the flu shot earns you $10 on your Flex Card as part of our Healthy Rewards program. You can learn more about this program here.

DON’T FALL FOR THESE FLU SHOT MYTHS

MYTH: INFLUENZA IS NOT SERIOUS. I DON’T NEED THE FLU SHOT.

FACT: As many as 650,000 people each year can die of the flu. Even healthy people can get the flu, but people with chronic illnesses, young children and older adults have a greater risk. Most people will recover within a few weeks — but some can develop complications, including sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and heart or brain inflammations.

MYTH: THE FLU SHOT CAN GIVE ME THE FLU.

FACT: The injected flu shot contains an inactivated virus that cannot give you influenza. If you feel achy or slightly feverish, it is a normal, short-lived reaction of the immune system to the shot.

MYTH: THE INFLUENZA SHOT CAN CAUSE SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS.

FACT: The flu shot is proven to be safe. Severe side effects are extremely rare.

MYTH: I HAVE HAD THE FLU SHOT AND STILL GOT THE FLU, SO IT DOESN’T WORK.

FACT: Several flu viruses are circulating all the time. The flu shot is made to protect against three or four of the strains that research indicates are most likely to spread in the upcoming flu season. Some people may still get the flu, despite being immunized because they are exposed to a different strain.

Source: The World Health Organization