Misconceptions associated with the flu

It is never too soon to get your flu shot and there are some things you should know.

Health experts say there are lots of misconceptions about the flu and the vaccine. The most common misconception is that the shot will actually make you sick. Experts say this is not true.

The second most common misconception is that the flu is just a bad cold.

“The flu actually kills. It causes 36,000 deaths per year in the United States. 226,000 hospitalizations per year in the United States,” said Infectious Disease Specialist, Paul Kamitsuka, M.D.

Dr. Kamitsuka said generally our area sees most of our flu cases after December, but that can vary. He said the best way to avoid the flu, is simply, get vaccinated.