Top 10 Things You Should Know About the Flu (Influenza)

Top 10 Things You Should Know About the Flu (Influenza)
Top 10 Things You Should Know About the Flu (Influenza)

Top 10 Things You Should Know About the Flu (Influenza)

You hear about it every year when the weather begins to change. With cooler temperatures, a nasty, menacing virus also appears – the flu. While there are a number of preventative steps you can take to try and keep this bug at bay, these efforts aren’t always successful. As a result, you’re stuck sneezing, sniffling, and suffering from aches and pains once this menace takes hold.

The fact is, every single year, an average of 200,000 people are sent to the hospital and as many as 23,000 pass away (typically

because of complications such as pneumonia) due to the flu. In fact, the flu is strong enough to render an otherwise healthy individual, gravely ill.

If you are ready to fight back against this seasonal monster, especially if you want to keep your children and elderly loved ones well, there are a few things you need to know. While there is quite a bit of information out there about the flu, there are still likely a few facts and tidbits of information you aren’t aware of. This flu season you can ensure you, your family, and your friends are fully prepared to stay healthy and enjoy all the things cooler weather brings; rather than spending the majority of your time in bed, trying to overcome the flu.

Listed here are 10 bits of information that can help you fight the flu, and keep it away for good. After all, information is quite powerful.

10You May Still get the Flu if You Are Vaccinated

The flu vaccine isn’t magic. And the flu virus is persistent and tricky!

9You are Usually Contagious Before You Know You Have the Flu

Rock a sweet flu mask just in case.

8Mercury Free Flu Vaccines are Available

The flu vaccine, now with less mercury. That leaves more for me. Nom, nom, nom.

7The Flu Vaccine Doesn’t Give You the Flu

The vaccine doesn’t give you the flu, silly. Tongue kissing your Aunt Sue does.

6The Flu Shot Doesn’t Wear Off if You Get it too Early in the Season

Get the flu shot and get it early.

5You Have to Get a Vaccination Every Year Against the Flu

Get the flu shot this year, and next year, and the year after that. You know the drill.

4Being in the Cold Doesn’t Make You More Susceptible to the Flu Virus

The cold and flu don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand.

3The Stomach Flu and Influenza are Two Completely Different Things

The stomach flu is whole other animal.

2Kids Don’t Develop Autism from the Flu Shot

Don’t be an ignoramus!

1Antibiotics Can’t Help Fight the Flu

Antibiotics are useless against mighty influenza