News Release                           For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                   December 13, 2006

Flu Myths

Influenza can make you very ill and complications from the flu can be deadly. The flu shot will help reduce the risk of getting this virus.

There are many reasons why people may not get a flu shot. Unfortunately, these reasons are usually based on unfounded myths such as:

I can get the flu from the flu shot.

Fact:   This is not true. The flu vaccine does not contain live flu virus. The vaccine simply allows the body to produce antibodies to protect the body from the strains of virus contained in the vaccine. However, it takes two weeks for the vaccine to be effective. People often confuse the flu with a cold or respiratory illness or with a gastro-intestinal illness that cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The flu is just a bad cold.

Fact:   The flu is much worse than a cold. It can leave you with serious complications such as pneumonia, kidney failure, heart failure, and in some, it can even lead to death. The flu will cause you to have a high fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, moderate to extreme weakness, and inability to get out of bed for up to 10 days. The common cold is usually mild, with sniffles and a mild cough with complications such as sinus or ear infections.

I’m young and healthy so I will not get the flu.

Fact:   The flu affects people of all ages. The virus is extremely contagious and will infect children, students, and working adults. In fact, children aged 6 to 23 months may have significant complications requiring hospitalization. Children easily spread the flu virus to others who may become seriously ill. Children and adults not only get sick, they may miss school and work which can have significant consequences. On average, the flu can leave you ill for seven to 10 days.

Dr. Sheela Basrur states, “Each year, thousands of Ontarians fall ill with the flu. Some get severely ill, missing days of school, work or vacation. Some even die. However, much of the illness caused by flu is preventable with a flu shot. Protect yourself and those around you. If you live, work or attend school in Ontario, it’s free. This fall get the flu shot.”

Free flu vaccine is available from Public Health by appointment:

Walkerton 519-881-1920

Owen Sound & Port Elgin 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456

For more information, visit our website www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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For more information:

Kathryn Whitehouse

Public Health Nurse,

Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456, ext. 279