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—and it might be because they didn’t get their annual flu shot.

The American Medical Association (AMA) recommends that all healthy people 6 months and older get their influenza vaccine every flu season, with few exceptions. That’s because 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year between 2010 and 2025, between 9.4 million and 51 million people have become ill with the flu; 120,000 to 710,000 have been hospitalized with the flu; and 6,300 to 52,000 people have died. Vaccination likely keeps millions of people safe every year, and may even save thousands of lives. See the CDC’s data on the estimated number of people protected from flu vaccines in recent years. 

 Myth: The flu vaccine can give you the flu.

Fact: Flu shots, which are made with either an inactivated virus, or using a protein from a flu virus, cannot give you the flu, according to the AMA.  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 February, but people can still get sick sometimes as late as May, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 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 Mayo Clinic. It can help keep even young, healthy people from getting sick. If you have questions or concerns about whether the flu vaccine is right for you, talk to your doctor. 

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.