Written by: Hadley Mayes 
For Ada County Paramedics
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s important to protect your health each year with a flu vaccine. But there are many fallacies that often go hand in hand when discussing this important vaccination. Here’s a list of the top 5 flu season fallacies, compiled by Ada County Paramedics:
1. You only need a flu shot if you’re very young or elderly.
FALSE: According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year.
2. The flu is no big deal.
False: According to the CDC, the flu can lead to serious complications, hospitalization or even death.
3. I don’t need a flu vaccine every year.
False: According to the CDC, the flu virus is constantly changing and different flu viruses circulate and can cause illness each season—the annual flu vaccine is updated each year—which is why the CDC says you need the vaccine annually, and the reason Ada County Paramedics Community Paramedics offer seasonal vaccines to county employees.
4. If I get a flu vaccine, it will give me the flu.
False: According to the CDC, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu and while the nasal spray version might cause congestion, a runny nose or a sore throat, the CDC says these are just side effects that are usually mild and go away quickly.
5. I don’t need a flu vaccine because I never get the flu.
False: According to the CDC, flu seasons and strains are unpredictable from year to year—meaning that even though you may not have had the flu before, you could come down with it this season.
For more information about Ada County Paramedics, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and visit us on the web!
Protect yourself this flu season. Get a flu shot so you don’t get and pass the virus along to anyone else.