Expensive Wholesome Males: I’ve already had my COVID shot and two boosters, however my spouse is bugging me to get a flu vaccine. I say that the COVID photographs will defend me. She disagrees. Who’s proper?
A: In two phrases, she is. Many individuals, significantly guys, are attempting to resolve whether or not to get a flu shot this 12 months and, as your query highlights, there are loads of misconceptions on the market concerning the flu itself and vaccines. To clear them up, we’ve put collectively an inventory of myths and information. Beneath are just a few of the explanation we advise that you’ve a dialogue along with your well being care supplier about vaccines and one of the best methods to maintain your self and your loved ones protected and wholesome this flu season and past. You’ll discover the total checklist and different sources at www.HealthyMen.org/ManUpToFlu
Delusion: I’m Totally COVID Vaccinated So I Don’t Want a Flu Vaccine
Truth: After greater than two years of COVID, we’re all a bit vaccine weary. However the reality is that whereas COVID and influenza (flu) are each respiratory (lung) sicknesses, they’re attributable to utterly totally different viruses. Consequently, the COVID photographs (together with boosters) you’ve had gained’t defend you towards the flu—and the seasonal flu vaccine your spouse is suggesting gained’t defend you towards COVID. For most individuals, flu photographs have been proven to scale back the danger of contracting the flu. As talked about above, discuss over the plusses and minuses along with your healthcare supplier.
Delusion: I’m too Wholesome to Get Sick
Truth: As guys, many people have grown up pondering of ourselves as invincible, however I’m sorry to report, that’s merely not true. What number of occasions have you ever learn or heard about elite athletes or others in high bodily situation who get laid out (or die) from a bodily, emotional, or infectious situation? As we become old and wiser, our capability to heal and to struggle infections declines. We definitely can and will make way of life modifications that decrease well being dangers, however typically we too will likely be sidelined. Wholesome Males believes that being vaccinated towards the flu virus is a fast and easy option to defend your self and your loved ones from this menace.
Delusion: The Flu Isn’t Actually a Large Deal
Truth: Every year between 140,000 and 170,000 People are hospitalized for flu-related situations and 12,000-52,000 die. Dangers of hospitalization and demise are significantly excessive for the aged, immunocompromised people, and the very younger. As well as, the flu may cause huge issues in surprising components of your physique. For instance, when you have a coronary heart situation, flu places you at six occasions the danger of getting a coronary heart assault inside simply seven days of getting the flu.
Delusion: Flu Season Has Already Began, So It’s too Late to Get Vaccinated
Truth: Au contraire! There’s no such factor as “too late to get vaccinated.” That stated, it’s greatest get your shot early, significantly this 12 months, as flu infections are already on the rise.
Delusion: When You Get the Flu-22 Shot, Your Family members Will Cease Nagging You
Truth: This one’s true! As a result of a lot of well being promoting and messaging is aimed toward girls, they’re usually extra conscious than guys of the necessity to vaccinate. And so they’re regularly those in guys’ lives who, in their very own particular approach, urge us to take higher care of ourselves, So, to the women and different family members on the market, proceed urging the fellows in your life to get a seasonal flu shot. For the fellows on the market, if you do get that shot, you’ll have a bit extra peace. Once more, for the entire checklist of Causes to Man As much as Flu-22, go to www.HealthyMen.org/ManUpToFlu