Flu deaths increase: Common myths & what you need to know this season

As flu season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and local health clinics advise kids and families ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated with this year’s flu shot.

Influenza cases on the rise

The CDC reports 80,000 people died of the flu last winter — the highest death toll in at least four decades.

Riverside County Public Health reports significant increases in flu cases and flu deaths in last year’s 2017-2018 season compared to the previous 2016-2017 season.

Last year there were 86 reported flu cases where people ages 0-64 years-old had to be hospitalized or in the ICU in Riverside County, compared to 27 cases in the 2016-2017 year. There were significantly more flu-related deaths last year with 23 reported fatalities, compared to only two flu deaths in 2016-2017 in Riverside County.

Common flu myths and misconceptions:

Myth: If I forget to get my flu shot by October, it’s too late. — Not true! It’s never too late to get the flu shot. The peak time of people contracting the flu is actually in February.

Myth: Last year’s flu shot wasn’t effective. — Not true! The 2017 flu vaccine was 40 percent effective.

Myth: I don’t need to get the flu shot every year if I’m healthy. — Experts say it’s best to get the flu shot every year to build immunities to different strains.

Myth: Pregnant women shouldn’t get flu shots. — Not true! The CDC strongly recommends pregnant women or women who plan to get pregnant to get the flu shot.

Myth: People with egg allergies can’t get the flu shot. — Not true! The CDC’s latest report says people with egg allergies are able to get vaccinated.

Myth: Getting the flu shot can increase your chances and symptoms of the flu. — Not true! However, there’s no guarantee a flu shot will fully protect you from contracting the flu. Symptoms can actually be less severe for those who get the vaccine.

Myth: You can’t spread the flu if you’re feeling well. — Not true! Actually, 20-30 percent of people carrying the flu virus display no symptoms. People are most contagious in the first 3-4 days of the illness. Healthy adults can infect others 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children and those with weak immune systems can infect others for even longer.

Myth: Antibiotics can cure the flu. — Not true! There are prescription antiviral drugs that can help treat the flu. It’s always a good idea to wash your hands frequently, especially during flu season.

Free flu shots will be offered to the public next week at a clinic conducted as part of the Riverside County Public Health Department’s flu pandemic drill. The free flu shots are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 2 at the Sun City Civic Association, 26850 Sun City Blvd. in Sun City. Shots will be given out as long as they last.

To see a list of local care centers that offer flu shots visit the Riverside County Public Health website or click here.

More information from the CDC:

Flu Symptoms

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

fever* cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose body aches headache chills fatigue sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

According to the CDC, some complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.