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I Had the Flu Shot. No Big Deal.

January 7, 2016 By Lena

Well, okay… maybe it was a big deal, because it was my FIRST flu shot EVER.

But really, it’s business as usual here. I didn’t get the flu immediately after taking it; I didn’t suffer any strange side effects and my arm definitely didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. All in all, I pretty much felt the same – except now, I’m less likely to contract the flu this season. Sounds very straightforward and reasonable… so *why* did it take me so long to get myself vaccinated?

The truth is, I believed in the myths that I stated above. I actually thought that taking the vaccine might give me the flu, and after watching my husband whine and complain about how much it hurts (he takes the flu shot annually) I’ll admit I was hesitant to take it on the wuss-factor alone. But this flu season, with one vacation under my belt and another just days away, I decided not to take chances with my health or the health of my family.

That’s me in a photograph taken last month. I’m enjoying the stunning winter wonderland that is Mont Tremblant, and am healthy, energized and most-importantly, flu-free!
12346025_855546841229468_1373533255_nNow don’t get me wrong; I don’t actually think I’m Superwoman or immune to contracting the flu. But with careful hygiene (hand washing and sanitizing) and healthy eating habits, I’m much less likely to succumb to the dreaded virus. (And if I do, I’ll hopefully have a shorter, less intense bout of illness and recover more quickly.) 

Are you on the fence about getting the flu shot? Here are some myths – BUSTED! – for you:

1. The flu vaccine gives you the flu.

FALSE. Flu vaccinations delivered via a needle are either made with an ‘inactivated’ flu virus that’s not infectious, or with no flu virus at all.

2. You don’t need to get the flu vaccine every year.

FALSE. The 2015 Shoppers Drug Mart Flu Poll revealed that 53% of Canadians do not believe they need to get the flu shot each year. But pharmacists warn Canadian’s – “Don’t Miss Out!”. In order to best protect yourself from the flu you need to be vaccinated annually. Canadians can drop in to their local Shoppers Drug Mart any time of day (no appointment!) to get vaccinated this season.

3. You should wait until the height of flu season to get vaccinated so you’re protected for longer.

FALSE. While it’s never too late to get vaccinated, it’s best to receive your flu shot soon after it’s available, likely October. The antibodies delivered via the flu vaccine that protect you against infection take up to two weeks to take effect, and since the flu peaks between December – February it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

4. Pregnant women need to get consent from their doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine.

FALSE. There is no recommendation for pregnant women to seek consent from their doctor prior to vaccination. However, there are some people who should seek their doctors’ advice prior to being vaccinated, including those who have a moderate-to-severe illness and patients with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

5. You can’t spread the flu if you’re feeling well.

FALSE. Actually, 20% to 30% of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.

This season, do yourself a favour. Do your family and co-workers a favour. Heck, do EVERYONE around you a favour and get the shot! According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, flu cases result in approximately 12,200 hospitalizations and, on average, 3,500 deaths in Canada each year. Take care of yourself!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: #SDMFluFighters, flu shot, healthy living

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. heidi c.

    January 7, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    Having had the flu multiple times in my life, anything that I can do to prevent it, I will do!

  2. mrdisco

    January 7, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    everyone should get the shot

  3. loucheryl

    January 7, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    I have two little boys who tend to pick up every virus out there, especially when school starts in September. If I can do something to prevent an illness occurring in my family, I will do it.

  4. Athena

    January 7, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    I’m hit or miss with whether I get it or not.

  5. Brenda Lacourciere

    January 8, 2016 at 4:37 am

    Would love to see some of the flu strains eradicated and this is the only way.

  6. Debbie Bashford

    January 8, 2016 at 6:25 am

    I don’t always get a flu shot, and have been lucky to have never gotten the flu. But as I get older I will have to start paying attention and get the vaccine every year.

  7. Chandra O'Connor

    January 8, 2016 at 6:39 am

    I don’t get the flu shot, not because I believed any of those reasons, I haven’t really had the flu.

  8. DebH

    January 8, 2016 at 7:27 am

    I’ve never gotten the flu shot and touch wood don’t get the flu. I seem to have a pretty good immune system. But now that I’m getting older, I have thought about getting the flu shot. Not saying I will never get it; maybe next year!

  9. Cheryl

    January 8, 2016 at 10:32 am

    I haven’t had a flu shot since I was a teenager and I hate needles so yeah I’m a scaredy cat lol

  10. Treen Goodwin

    January 8, 2016 at 11:10 am

    I always have my flu shot , it really helps from getting those nasty flu bugs !

  11. Darrah Bailey

    January 8, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I havent ever had my flu shot.. But some GREAT points!

  12. kathy downey

    January 8, 2016 at 11:43 am

    I get the Flu shot yearly,mainly because my system is not strong due to illness,we have to protect ourselves.

  13. Yuen C

    January 8, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    I gotten the flu shot before but stopped afterwards

  14. ginette4

    January 8, 2016 at 2:57 pm

    I’ve never had the flu shot..after my Mom fainting after having hers I’m reluctant to get it.

  15. Judy Cowan

    January 8, 2016 at 7:53 pm

    We got our shots this year! Anything to help reduce the rish of getting the flu.

  16. mrdisco

    January 8, 2016 at 11:43 pm

    with pharmacies now offering flu shots its easier than ever to get uptodate

  17. Carole Dube

    January 9, 2016 at 6:41 pm

    I haven’t had the flue shot this year, I had the flue shot a few time. My husband get his everyyear. He got it this here and he still got the flue.

  18. Melinda Jana

    January 11, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    I can’t believe people believe in some of the myths about flu. It’s great that pharmacies offer it and it’s so convenient to get it while you shop.

  19. Chandra O'Connor

    January 12, 2016 at 4:46 pm

    I thought I jinked myself when I said I don’t get the flu. I was feeling icky yesterday but it was my vertigo acting up.

  20. Susan T.

    February 16, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    It always amazes me when people say that they don’t get the flu shot. Those myths are so pervasive!

  21. kathy downey

    June 9, 2016 at 9:32 am

    In June we still have many pepole with flu its cold and damp most days,more people should be getting their shot to protect themselves and others

  22. Debbie White Beattie

    August 9, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    Thanks for clearing things up for me because I’ve never had a flu shot before but now I’ll check it out. I’m writing this in August and your picture is obviously in the winter but I just had to tell you that I love your coat and boots , especially your boots.

  23. KATHY DOWNEY

    January 23, 2017 at 9:47 am

    Hubby and i get the Flu shot every year and i think it helps.

  24. Debbie White Beattie

    January 23, 2017 at 11:32 pm

    I have to tell the truth I’ve never had a flu shot but I also didn’t know all the facts. I knew most but I normally don’t get sick luckily but maybe one day I will !

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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