9 dangerous flu myths you can't believe
'10.10.2020'
Source: TUT.BY
Harvard Health Publishing compiled nine common myths about the flu and explained what is wrong with them. TUT.BY.
Myth: a vaccine can get you the flu.
The flu shot is made from an inactivated virus that cannot transmit infection. And if a person gets sick after being vaccinated, it means that he would get sick without it. But people mistakenly believe: if they got sick immediately after vaccination, then it was the vaccine that caused their illness.
Myth: Healthy people don't need a vaccine.
While the flu shot is especially important for people with chronic illnesses, it will also benefit a healthy person.
Myth: Getting vaccinated is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself during flu season: avoid contact with people who are sick and wash your hands more often.
On the subject: Twindemia: How to Prepare for a Seasonal Flu Outbreak Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
Myth: You can't get the flu if you feel good.
In fact, between 20% and 30% of people who carry the influenza virus do not have any symptoms.
Myth: you don't need to get the flu shot every year.
The flu virus mutates every year. As such, getting vaccinated annually is important to make sure you are immune to the strains that are most likely to lead the season.
Myth: You can get the flu if you go outside in cold weather without a coat or with wet hair.
The only way to get the flu is by contracting the flu virus. The flu season coincides with the cold, so people often mistakenly associate the flu with, for example, a draft.
Myth: if you are sick with the flu, you need to eat more (or less).
If you have the flu (or cold) and fever, you need to drink more fluids. But there is no particular reason to increase or decrease the amount of food: neither fasting nor overeating will help you to recover sooner.
On the subject: Not only coronavirus: how not to get colds and flu this fall
Myth: chicken soup will speed up your recovery from the flu.
Warm soup is beneficial to soothe a sore throat and provide adequate fluid. But this dish has no other specific qualities that can help fight the flu.
Myth: If you have a fever with flu that lasts more than one to two days, antibiotics may be needed.
Antibiotics work well against bacteria, but they are ineffective against viral infections such as the flu. But some people develop a bacterial infection as a complication of the flu, so it might be a good idea to get tested if your symptoms linger or get worse.
The material is published for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not replace medical advice. ForumDaily Woman is not responsible for any diagnosis made by the reader based on the site's materials, as well as for the consequences of self-medication, and may not share the point of view of the author or expert.
