Myths About The Flu

When you're sick with the flu, it seems that everyone comes out of the woodwork with advice for you. While their intentions might be good -- their advice often isn't.

Here are some common myths about the flu.

You can catch the flu from the vaccine. -- The vaccine is made from an inactivated virus that can't transmit infection. So people who get sick after receiving a flu vaccination were going to get sick anyway.

Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself. -- To really protect yourself during flu season, you should also avoid contact with people who have the flu and wash your hands frequently.

You can't spread the flu if you're feeling well. -- Actually, 20 to 30 percent of people carrying the influenza virus have no symptoms.

You can catch the flu from going out in cold weather without a coat. -- The only way to catch the flu is by being exposed to the influenza virus. It just so happens that flu season coincides with the cold weather, so people often make the association. But, they are not related.

Feed a cold. Starve a fever. -- If you have the flu, you need more fluids. There's little reason to increase or decrease how much you eat.

   Chicken soup will speed your recovery from the flu. -- Hot liquids can soothe a sore throat and provide much needed fluids. But chicken soup has no other specific qualities that can help fight the flu.