SPEAKER: The flu circulates year
round, but there are tons
of misconceptions about it.
Here's the truth about the flu.
Are colds and flu
the same thing?
No.
Although colds and flu are
both respiratory illnesses,
they're caused
by different viruses.
They have some
of the same symptoms,
like fatigue, headaches, cough,
and sore throat.
But colds are usually milder
and don't lead to serious health
problems like the flu sometimes
does.
Is there more than one strain
of the flu?
Yes, there's two main types,
A and B. These strains of flu
cause seasonal flu epidemics
every year.
Can a flu vaccine give you
the flu?
No, flu shots are made one
of two ways.
They either have a virus that's
been killed or a single gene
from the virus.
So flu shots can't cause
the flu.
Can you get the flu even if you
get a flu shot?
Yes, a flu shot protects
against certain strains
of the virus.
So there's a chance you could
get sick from another strain.
It's also possible for you
to get infected
before the vaccine kicks in.
But you're more likely to have
milder symptoms if you got
this year's flu shot.
The bottom line, flu
is a common virus.
But you can protect yourself
by washing your hands
and getting a flu shot
every year.
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