Avoiding the flu is always a top priority for parents, as it should be. One of the easiest way to keep the flu away from your home is to get yourself and your family vaccinated each year against any current strains of the flu viruses.
While it seems like a no-brainer to get vaccinated, parents tend to have a lot of questions about the vaccines. There are also a lot of whacky myths going around about the effects that flu shots have on children. I’m not really sure where these conspiracy theories start, but they can have dangerous consequences for those who aren’t sure how to differentiate the fact from the fiction. When you know the facts, you can make smart choices that will help your kids lead healthier lives. Whatever you decide to do about the flu, get the facts first and talk with your doctor about what’s best for your family.
Fact or Fiction: Flu Shots can Give you the Flu?
This is absolute fiction. While adults and children can develop some flu-like symptoms from getting flu shots, they don’t actually catch the flu. The side effects of flu shots are mild in comparison to the actual flu. Most of them only last a short period.
My guess is that this myth comes from the fact that flu shots do contain flu viruses. But they are inactive. You might get a scratchy throat or sore arm, but your kids definitely will not get the flu from flu shots. Any side affects that you experience are caused by allergic reactions. The chance that you will experience an allergic reaction from the flu shot is much smaller than the risk of getting the flu when you refuse to get the shot.
Fact or Fiction: Flu Shots are More Dangerous for Kids than the Flu?
This is one of the most dangerous myths out there. Some parents contend that the flu doesn’t cause significant problems for children over five. In fact, many of them think that catching the flu is good for their kids because it makes them less susceptible to future encounters with the virus.
The truth is that the flu can be very dangerous for children and adults of all ages. And while it is important for your immune system to develop through exposure to some viruses, you probably won’t benefit much from getting the flu because those viruses mutate quickly. The virus that you get next will more than likely be a different strain than the one you get this year.
Fact or Fiction: Children Who Are Allergic to Eggs Shouldn’t Get Flu Shots?
This is a bit of a grey area. Adults and children who are allergic to eggs should really talk to their doctors about flu shots and the potential dangers that the shots might pose for them. The viruses used in flu shots are grown in eggs, so they could present a real danger for those with allergies. A mild allergy, however, does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t get the shot. It’s a decision that you and your doctor should make together.
The fact of the matter is that there is some tiny risk involved in getting flu shots, but the Centers for Disease Control have good reasons for recommending flu shots for children between six months and 18 years. No, the reason isn’t so that pharmaceutical companies can make more money (I actually heard some one claim this just last week). Children should receive flu shots because they come into contact with lots of people at school, day cares, and play groups. The flu can also have serious health consequences that can cause death in children. This doesn’t happen a lot in the modern world, but that is due in large part to the availability of flu shots and other medicines.
