'It's not possible': GP debunks common flu vaccine myth believed by one in four
There has been an ‘unusually early’ start to the flu season 🤧
- The UK is experiencing an “unusually early” flu season.
- Those eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to come forward.
- Lloyds Pharmacy debunk this common flu vaccine myth believed by one in four.
There has been an “unusually early” start to the flu season, which could lead to a “long and drawn out” Winter for the NHS.
A new flu strain, H3N2, is suspected to be behind the early surge in cases. All eligible adults are being encouraged to have their flu vaccine by the end of November to protect themselves ahead of the festive period.
With cases of the flu hitting earlier this year, people turning to Google and social media platforms for medical advice has become commonplace.
In a bid to combat health misinformation online, Lloyds Pharmacy surveyed 1,000 UK adults and found that 26% believed this common myth about the flu.
Why is the flu season early?
The flu season has hit early this year, the cause is thought to be a new flu strain, H3N2, which evolved after this year’s flu vaccine was developed.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough or feeling tired. Additional symptoms can include a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain or feeling sick and being sick.
Does the flu vaccine give you the flu?
Of the 1,000 people surveyed by Lloyds Pharmacy, 26% believed that getting the flu vaccine gives you the flu. GP from Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Bhavini Shah, debunks this common flu myth.
Dr Shah said: “You cannot catch the flu from the flu jab, the virus is inactivated, so it’s not possible. What you might get is a short-lived sore arm, a slight temperature, or achiness, which are signs the vaccine is teaching your body’s immune system how to protect itself from the disease.”
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
Early data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) show that the flu vaccine is the best defence against flu for children and adults.
The flu jab is free for those aged over 65, under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, pregnant women, close contacts of immunosuppressed people, and frontline health and social care workers.
Children are eligible for a free flu vaccine, which is administered as a nasal spray for those between the ages of two to 16 years old. Those between the ages of six months and two years old in a high-risk group will receive a traditional flu jab instead.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “With temperatures already starting to drop this week, we expect to see an increase in indoor mixing, which is why it’s particularly important if you’re eligible, to get vaccinated- it remains our best defence against severe illness and hospitalisation.”
With the festive season around the corner, those who are eligible for the vaccine are being urged to come forward. You can find out how to book yours at NHS.UK.