Busting the Flu Shot Myth
Winter has well and truly arrived and with it comes the dreaded flu season.
Professor Kanta Subbarao, Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, came on to talk about the new flu shot. There are 4 strains of the virus and these can combine so any one of the strains could dominate. This can impact the effectiveness of the vaccine, but it is generally quite good. Vulnerable groups, particularly those over 65 have an enhanced vaccine available to them.
Kanta also busted the myth that the flu shot is giving you the flu. There is no live virus so they cannot cause the flu, a sore arm is the worst you should suffer from. The best method of prevention is to get the vaccine, but it is also important to practice good cough etiquette (don’t cough on your hands), wash your hands and be sure to stay home if you are feeling ill.
