No one chooses to get sick with the flu. But every year, far too many people come down with the virus—which is a respiratory illness that can cause fever, chills, cough, sore throat, a runny nose, headache, fatigue and more—because they didn’t get their annual flu shot.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get their influenza vaccine every flu season, with few exceptions. That’s because research has shown that vaccination can prevent people from getting the flu, and if they do get it, it can help them avoid becoming severely ill. Unfortunately, misinformation about the flu and the flu vaccine circulates every year. Read on to learn the myths—and facts—about the flu, and then make an appointment to get your flu vaccination at your earliest convenience.

Myth: The flu is really just a bad cold. 

Fact: While there are symptoms for the common cold and influenza that overlap, they are distinct viruses. Flu can be much more severe than a cold, and it can be especially serious for young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions. In the 2019-2020 flu season—which was a mild season according to the CDC—38 million people became ill, 18 million went to a health care provider, 400,000 were hospitalized and 22,000 died from flu. The CDC goes on to say that vaccination likely prevented more than 7 million illnesses, 3,69 million health care visits, 105,000 hospitalizations and 6,300 deaths. When you choose to get vaccinated, it’s one less thing to worry about.  

 Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.

Fact: The flu vaccine is made with either an inactivated virus, or using a protein from a flu virus, and it cannot give you the flu, according to the CDC.  Some people, however, may experience mild side effects from the vaccine, such as soreness where the injection was given, headache, runny nose, a low-grade fever and other symptoms. Those are usually mild, however, and don’t last long.

Myth: It’s too late to get vaccinated, now that Thanksgiving has passed.

Fact: It’s still a great time to get vaccinated and protect yourself for the rest of the flu season, which can be unpredictable. Usually, it peaks between December and March, but people can still get sick sometimes as late as May, according to the CDC. Hedge your bets and make an appointment for your flu vaccine today.

Myth: You don’t need the flu vaccine every year.

Fact: You should get vaccinated against flu every year. Flu viruses evolve, and vaccines are continually updated to protect people from the latest virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Plus, antibodies that protect you decline over time. Vaccination is your best annual form of protection against flu.

 Myth: You don’t need a vaccine if you’re a healthy person.

Fact: Almost everyone could benefit from the flu vaccine, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. It can help keep even young, healthy people from getting sick; it can also help stop the spread of the virus.

Myth: To get vaccinated, you must get a shot.

Fact: While injection is an option, some people can instead opt for a nasal spray. That spray is approved for healthy people who are between the ages of 2 and 49 and are not pregnant. People with certain allergies and medical conditions should not get the spray, so be sure and talk with your health care provider about the best option for you and your family.

 Myth: If you’re vaccinated, you’re fully protected from the flu.

Fact: While vaccination helps, it’s still important to take steps to protect yourself. Use common sense and stick with a proper hygiene routine. That is, avoid contact with people who are sick; cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; stay home when you feel sick; and keep washing those hands. These habits should help lower your risk of getting ill with other viruses, as well.

The last two years have shown us just how powerful a virus can be. When it comes to the flu, we all have access to protection, in the form of a vaccine. Make an appointment to get vaccinated today, and you’ll be taking a positive step for your own health and for your community’s health.