11 flu myths debunked

There are a few things in life you can count on when it comes to winter in Australia: the days get shorter, sleeves get longer and someone, somewhere, will tell you why you shouldn’t get the flu shot.  

The myths surrounding influenza and the flu vaccine are like a John Farnham farewell tour; they just keep coming back. So, this year, we’ve partnered with nib’s Group Medical Advisor, Dr Hamish Black, to debunk some of the most commonly heard myths.

Colds and flu are caused by different viruses. When people say they have ‘the flu’, they often actually just have a common cold. A sniffle and sore throat that doesn’t stop you in your tracks probably isn’t the flu. In contrast, symptoms that make you want to stay in bed such as headaches, muscle aches and pains, tiredness, fever and a cough are typical of the flu.  

“The flu generally makes you feel much more unwell than a cold and it commonly lasts at least a fortnight. Tiredness can persist for a few weeks following,” says Hamish. 

“The flu can also cause serious complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia and heart inflammation.”

No. There are no live viruses in flu vaccines, meaning that the flu shot cannot give you influenza. However, some people do experience side effects after having the flu vaccine, and sometimes the side effects can be similar to symptoms of the flu. 

Hamish explains, “Mild side effects, like soreness at the injection site, are not uncommon and you may also get some swelling and redness where you had the injection. Less commonly, some people may experience fever, tiredness and muscle aches, but side effects usually last only a day or two.”

Allergic reactions to the influenza vaccine are very rare.

Hamish confirms, “For most people, the chance of having a serious side effect from a vaccine is much lower than the chance of serious harm if you caught the disease.”

“People who are known to have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the flu shot, or any ingredients of the flu shot, in the past should not have the flu vaccine,” says Hamish.

“Special precautions are taken in people who have a severe allergy to hen’s eggs.”

It is possible to experience an allergic reaction or adverse event ranging from very mild to more severe, without being aware of or having experienced an allergic reaction before. To minimise and monitor any post-vaccine reactions, medical facilities who administer the flu vaccine request you stay for 15 minutes following your shot.

If you experience any of the following symptoms after your flu vaccines, go directly to your GP, nurse or hospital and inform them of your recent vaccination. Symptoms include: 

• you have a reaction that you consider severe or unexpected 

• you are worried about yourself or your child’s condition after vaccination 

• you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, seizure or rash 

“It is important to report adverse events to a vaccination. This gives us a better understanding of the safety of vaccines,” says Hamish.

You can report vaccine reactions to your state or territory health service. Alternatively, you can report a problem or side effect directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online or over the phone. 

Myth 4. You can’t have the flu vaccine the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine

This is not true – you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time.

Myth 6. You can’t get the flu vaccine if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding

There's no evidence suggesting that the flu shot harms babies, pregnant women, or those breastfeeding. However, pregnant women face higher risks of complications like pneumonia if they get the flu. That's why it's crucial for pregnant women to get the flu vaccine, especially during flu season. The vaccine is safe whether you're planning a pregnancy, already pregnant, or breastfeeding. Research indicates that antibodies from vaccinated pregnant women pass to their babies, providing protection for up to six months after birth. 

Similarly, breastfeeding mothers can safely get vaccinated without any risk to themselves or their babies, as the vaccine doesn't affect breast milk and provides added protection through antibodies. 

Under the National Immunisation Program, pregnant women can get the flu vaccine for free.

The flu shot does sometimes cause a fever in children. However, fever (especially high fever) following vaccination in children has been uncommon in recent years.

In 2010, one brand of influenza vaccine caused some young children to have high fevers, in some cases leading to serious complications. This brand of vaccine is no longer used in Australia.

"Each year, about 5-10% of Australians get the flu and some years it can be as high as 20% especially amongst children,” says Hamish.  

And this year, experts predict your chances are likely to be even higher.  

A higher-than-average number of flu notifications have been reported for the start of 2024 and could be a sign of another early peak to the season this winter.  

“The latest information from WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Melbourne is saying that flu season may have been altered by the pandemic,” says Hamish. “This has meant we are seeing the flu season start earlier, peaking in late June and early July, instead of August which had been the case in the years before 2020.” 

Because of this, Hamish stresses the importance of getting your flu vaccination in April and early May.

Related: Everything you need to know about the 2024 flu vaccine. 

“The flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19, but it will reduce your chances of getting influenza and you wouldn’t want to get both at once" Hamish says.

Myth 9. I got my flu shot, so now I won't get sick from the flu 

Wouldn’t that be nice if it were true! Unfortunately, it’s not the case. Getting the flu vaccine is one way to reduce your likelihood of getting the flu, but it’s not a foolproof method. You should still practice preventative measures like washing your hands, binning your tissues as soon as you use them and avoiding sharing personal items like cups and mugs. 

Different flu viruses are always around, which is why you might still catch the flu even if you've had the vaccine, as it targets specific strains. But getting vaccinated increases your chances of staying protected from the flu and reduces the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick.  

Myth 10. Taking vitamins and supplements protects you from the flu 

While it's tempting to rely on vitamins and supplements to bolster your immune system, there's little evidence to support their effectiveness in preventing the flu. What is more effective is focusing on basic preventive measures like vaccination, maintaining good hand hygiene, eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress and getting enough sleep. 

Myth 11. You can catch the flu by being wet in cold weather

We’ve all been warned at some point to “put a coat on, otherwise we’ll catch the flu.” However, the only way to catch the flu is by being exposed to the influenza virus. The flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face. So, while staying warm and dry in cold weather is important for overall health, it won't prevent you from catching the flu unless you also take precautions to avoid exposure to the virus. 

It’s important to look after yourself in the lead up to winter and getting a flu vaccine is just one way to help minimise your risk of catching influenza. For more information on the 2024 flu vaccine, including whether you’re eligible for a free shot, check out our article: Everything you need to know about the flu vaccine.

Please note: The information throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.