The influenza (flu) virus affects millions of Americans each fall, winter and early spring, causing doctor visits, hospitalizations and deaths.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health estimates 5% to 20% of the state’s residents get the flu each year.

The state says 120 to 2,000 people die each flu season from flu complications, the most common of which is pneumonia. There are a lot of myths out there about the flu and the flu shot, so we hope clearing things up will make you better prepared.

Myth 1: The flu shot can give you the flu.

The simple answer is no. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says that’s because flu vaccines are made with flu viruses that are either weakened, inactivated (killed), or recombinant (made without influenza viruses or eggs).

It can take two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective.

Myth 2: Healthy people don’t need a flu vaccine.

Anyone can get the flu, even someone who considers themselves the pinnacle of good health.

Getting vaccinated each year is important for everyone age 6 months and older.

And vaccination can help prevent the spread of the virus to others who may be vulnerable to flu and related complications.

Myth 3: The flu is just the same as a bad cold.

Flu and colds are caused by different viruses and the flu can be a lot worse than the common cold.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can last two weeks or longer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu symptoms can include the following:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Vomiting and diarrhea

Myth 4: Everyone should get the same flu vaccine.

Most people should get the standard flu vaccine, but those 65 and older can get a high-dose vaccine that prompts a stronger immune response.

Senior citizens are at higher risk for severe flu and complications, says the CDC.

Myth 5: The flu vaccine isn’t safe.

The CDC says the flu vaccine has a good safety record, with hundreds of millions of Americans getting the shots over the past 50 years.

It’s the best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu or spreading it to others.

The flu vaccine can have side effects — such as muscle aches, nausea and fever — but they are generally mild and go away on their own after a few days.

Life-threatening, severe reactions to the flu vaccine are rare and you should not get the vaccine if you have had that reaction to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

Talk with your doctor if you have a reaction to eggs or any of the vaccine components or if you’ve had Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Getting your flu shot has never been easier

Do you know that you can go to LVHN ExpressCARE–Palmerton for your flu shot? Located at 528 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, they are open 365 days a year and no appointment is necessary.

For additional information about the flu vaccine, including upcoming vaccine clinics and other locations on where to get one this season, visit https://www.lvhn.org/treatments/influenza-flu-shots.

What to know more?

For more information on symptoms, treatment options and steps to take when sick, visit https://www.lvhn.org/conditions/influenza-flu