Skip to content Skip to main menu Skip to utility menu

Winner of our myths v facts competition – flu campaign

October 30, 2018

Last week we asked if you could tell the myths from the facts when it comes to the flu vaccine – thank you to everyone who took the time to answer and congratulations to our winner Dawn Bradnick who wins a £10 Love2Shop voucher.

The answers are as follows:

  1. Vitamin C can protect me against the flu – Myth – whilst there is evidence that vitamin C supports your immune system – it will not prevent you from getting flu – or other infections. 
  2. Children can’t have the flu vaccine – Myth – children up to 17 can have a nasal flu vaccine.
  3. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine – Fact –  the vaccine is not live and therefore cannot give you the flu – the most common side effect is a sore arm.
  4. You shouldn’t have the flu jab when you are pregnant – Myth – pregnant women are actively encouraged to receive the vaccine to prevent harm to them or their unborn baby.
  5. Once you have had the flu vaccine, you’re protected for life – Myth – flu strains change each year and so the vaccine changes too to ensure it offers the most protection – this is why you need to have your vaccine annually.
  6. The flu vaccine is for anyone who doesn’t want to be sick – not just for older people – Fact – older people are offered a free vaccination as they are more susceptible to flu and the effects of the virus can have more serious complications – but it is for everyone who wants to be protected – not infected.
  7. Flu can be treated with antibiotics  – Myth – antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria, but the flu is cause by a virus. Taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that may resist antibiotic treatment.
  8. The flu jab won’t protect me against swine flu – Myth – Flu type A Michigan H1N1 – more commonly known as swine flu is included in this year’s vaccine – as is Flu type A Singapore H3N2 – which we know as Aussie Flu – so make sure you get your four shields of protection ASAP!
  9. Influenza strains typically change every year so last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s strains – True – last year we saw the emergence of Aussie Flu which caused many people to become ill as they weren’t protected against it – it is now included in the vaccine this year.
  10. I didn’t have my jab at the start of October so it’s too late now – Myth – it is always best to get the vaccine as soon as it is available, but it is never to late – so if you haven’t had it yet or haven’t had the flu vaccine before – make it a priority this week.

Hear today from Debra Adams, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse at NHS Improvement, who gives her top infection control tips for helping to prevent the spread of flu.

If you haven’t had your flu jab yet, you can be vaccinated at:

Sandwell Hospital:

  • Tuesday-Thursday, main reception, 8.30am-12pm
  • Friday, courtyard gardens, 1pm-4pm

City Hospital:

  • Tuesday-Thursday, old foot health clinic by main reception, 8.30am-12pm
  • Friday, old foot health clinic by main reception, 1pm-4pm

Rowley:

  • Ask for availability of flu vaccinators at main reception

Note: The flu vaccine does not contain any pork or meat product or derivatives.