- 1. I got the vaccine last year, I don't need to take it again.
- 2. I can get influenza A through pork.
- 3. People with the flu can get the vaccine.
- 4. The influenza A vaccine can cause death.
- 5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can get the vaccine.
- 6. The side effects of the vaccine are very strong.
- 7. The virus used in the vaccine is dead and does not cause influenza A.
- 8. This vaccine can only be taken until a certain age.
- 9. The vaccine can be taken at SUS free of charge.
- 10. Using fennel works to fight the flu.
Influenza A, also known as swine flu, is a type of flu caused by the H1N1 virus, which is transmitted through the air, from person to person, through droplets of saliva. The diagnosis of this flu can be confirmed through an analysis of respiratory secretions in the laboratory, as its symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, being only slightly stronger.
This flu is caused by the H1N1 virus and can be prevented by taking the flu shot. This is a trivalent vaccine, which at the same time protects against the H1N1 virus, also protects against the H3N2 and Influenza B viruses, viruses that cause the common flu. Find out more about the vaccine and when to take it.
As influenza A is a flu different from the common flu, it is normal to have doubts on the subject, so see some myths and truths related to this infection:
1. I got the vaccine last year, I don't need to take it again.
MYTH. People who had the vaccine in the previous year should have the vaccination with the current year's vaccine again. That's because, from year to year, influenza viruses undergo small mutations, which cause the vaccine to be updated by laboratories. However, not every year important mutations in viruses occur, so it is recommended to speak to the doctor or pharmacist to find out whether or not it is really necessary to take the new updated vaccine.
2. I can get influenza A through pork.
MYTH. It is true that the life cycle of the H1N1 virus passes through the pig, but the virus is only transmitted through saliva, sneezing or contact with the secretions of a sick person or animal, in the same way that occurs with the common flu.
Thus, it is advisable to take some precautions such as avoiding close contact with infected people, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, not sharing personal items and avoiding closed places with many people, for example. See other tips to avoid getting any flu.
3. People with the flu can get the vaccine.
TRUTH. People with the flu, but without a fever, can get the flu vaccine that protects against the H1N1 virus. This vaccine is contraindicated only for babies less than 6 months old, people with fever, neurological disease or who are allergic to egg or thimerosal substances, present in Merthiolate, and to neomycin.
4. The influenza A vaccine can cause death.
MYTH. This theory originally arose due to the presence of two substances in the vaccine, mercury and squalene oil. However, the truth is that the mercury used is ethylmercury, which is a preservative that is also part of other vaccines such as diphtheria and tetanus. Squalene oil, on the other hand, is a substance that is present in our body naturally, and that is used in the vaccine to increase its effectiveness.
5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women can get the vaccine.
TRUTH. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can get the vaccine normally, regardless of gestational age. However, the vaccine should only be applied after obtaining the authorization of the obstetrician.
6. The side effects of the vaccine are very strong.
MYTH. Most people do not experience any side effects after taking the vaccine and, even if they do, they usually last only 2 days, being lighter than those of the flu. The most common symptoms may include pain at the site of the vaccine, low-grade fever and general malaise.
See more about the side effects of vaccines and what to do in each case.
7. The virus used in the vaccine is dead and does not cause influenza A.
TRUTH. The viruses used to produce the influenza A vaccine are inactivated viruses, which means they are not capable of causing the disease, as they are "dead" and divided into several pieces. Therefore, it is not possible to become ill with influenza A after having a vaccination.
8. This vaccine can only be taken until a certain age.
MYTH. This vaccine is recommended for all ages, but the vaccine is only offered free of charge to groups considered at risk, such as children and the elderly. Still, people of all ages can choose to go to the health center and get vaccinated.
9. The vaccine can be taken at SUS free of charge.
TRUTH. In the public health network, the flu vaccine can be administered free of charge, but only for a part of the population known as "risk groups". These risk groups include children older than 6 months and younger than 5 years, pregnant women, people over 55, chronic patients, women in the postpartum period, indigenous people, employees and prison population.
Check out a more detailed list of who should get the flu vaccine.
10. Using fennel works to fight the flu.
MYTH. This myth arose because fennel also has the star anise compound, which is used to make the Tamiflu drug. However, the anise used in Tamiflu is taken from a plant originating in China, not being the same as the fennel found in Brazil and, therefore, the medicine should not be replaced. However, if you have influenza A you can drink fennel tea whenever necessary, as it has an expectorant, tonic and calming action. It just should not replace the use of the medicine.
Learn about home remedies that can be used to relieve flu symptoms.
