Common Myths About the Flu You Should Stop Believing

19 May 2025

Flu season rolls around every year, bringing with it a wave of sniffles, coughs, and—unfortunately—a flood of misinformation. The flu is one of the most misunderstood illnesses out there, and thanks to myths that spread faster than the virus itself, many people still don’t know the truth about how it works.

It's time to set the record straight. If you’re still buying into these flu myths, you could be making yourself (and everyone around you) more vulnerable to illness. So, let’s bust these common misconceptions and get the facts straight once and for all.

Myth #1: You Can Get the Flu from the Flu Shot

This one refuses to die, but let's be clear—the flu shot cannot give you the flu. Flu vaccines contain inactivated (dead) virus or, in some cases, no virus at all (just proteins that spark an immune response). There's absolutely no way these can infect you.

So why do some people feel under the weather after getting the shot? Simple—your immune system is working. Some mild symptoms like a sore arm, fatigue, or a slight fever are just signs that your body is building protection. That’s completely normal and way better than getting the actual flu.

Myth #2: The Flu Is Just a Bad Cold

Think the flu is no worse than a runny nose and mild cough? Think again. While the common cold and the flu share some symptoms, influenza is far more severe.

The flu can cause:

- High fever
- Intense body aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe respiratory issues

For vulnerable groups—like young kids, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses—the flu can lead to serious complications, even hospitalization, or death. It's not just a bad cold. It's a dangerous virus that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Myth #3: If You're Healthy, You Don’t Need a Flu Shot

Healthy people get sick, too—plain and simple. Even if you eat well, exercise daily, and take all your vitamins, you can still catch the flu. The virus doesn’t care how fit you are; it just needs an opportunity to invade your body.

Getting vaccinated isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting those who are more vulnerable, like babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. By skipping your flu shot, you’re not just risking your own health—you’re putting others at risk, too.

Myth #4: Antibiotics Can Treat the Flu

Nope. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. The flu is caused by a virus, which means antibiotics won’t do a thing to help you recover. Taking them unnecessarily can even be harmful, as it contributes to antibiotic resistance—something we definitely don’t need more of.

The only medications that can help with the flu are antiviral drugs like Tamiflu, which can shorten the duration of the illness if taken early. But for most people, the best treatment is rest, fluids, and letting your immune system do its job.

Myth #5: The Flu Shot Doesn’t Work

While no vaccine is 100% effective, the flu shot significantly reduces your chances of getting sick. And even if you do catch the flu after getting vaccinated, your symptoms will likely be much milder.

Each year, scientists update the flu vaccine based on predictions of the most common strains, making it your best shot (literally) at staying healthy. Skipping the flu shot just because it's not foolproof is like refusing to wear a seatbelt because some people still get injured in crashes—it doesn't make sense.

Myth #6: You Only Need to Get the Flu Vaccine Once in Your Life

Unlike vaccines for diseases like measles or polio, the flu vaccine isn’t a one-and-done deal. The flu virus changes every year, meaning last year’s shot won't protect you this year.

Getting vaccinated annually ensures your immunity is up to date, making it harder for the virus to take hold and spread. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.

Myth #7: You Can Sweat Out the Flu

If sweating out illnesses worked, we'd all just spend flu season in saunas, right? Unfortunately, you can’t "sweat out" the flu like a bad hangover.

The flu is caused by a virus that needs to run its course. While staying warm, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids can help ease symptoms, no amount of sweating will magically flush the virus from your system. If anything, excessive sweating could leave you dehydrated, making you feel even worse.

Myth #8: If You’ve Had the Flu This Season, You’re Safe

Caught the flu once this year? Bad luck—but don’t assume you’re immune for the rest of the season.

There are multiple strains of the flu that circulate, and you can catch a different strain even after recovering from one. That’s why getting vaccinated still matters even if you’ve already been sick—it can protect you from other flu viruses that are still out there.

Myth #9: The Flu Is Only Contagious When You Have Symptoms

Think you’re only spreading the flu when you're sneezing and coughing? Think again.

You can actually be contagious before symptoms even appear—sometimes up to a full day before you start feeling sick. And for some, the flu can be spread for up to a week or more after they start showing symptoms.

This is why it's so important to practice good hygiene all the time. Washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when coughing, and avoiding close contact with others when you're feeling off can help reduce the spread.

Myth #10: Cold Weather Causes the Flu

Despite what your grandma told you, going outside without a jacket won’t give you the flu.

Flu season happens in colder months, but that’s not because of the weather itself. It's because people spend more time indoors, in close quarters with others, making it easier for germs to spread.

Sure, cold air might make you feel more susceptible to getting sick, but the flu virus comes from other people, not the temperature. Bundle up if you want, but the best protection is still a flu shot and good hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Misinformation about the flu is everywhere, and believing these myths can put you—and everyone around you—at risk. The flu is a serious illness that deserves just as much attention and prevention as any other contagious disease.

So, next time someone tries to convince you that the flu shot will give you the flu or that antibiotics will cure it, you’ll know better. Stay informed, take precautions, and most importantly—get your flu shot!