10 myths about flu and the flu vaccine

There are many myths surrounding flu and the flu vaccine. Here are 10 common flu myths and the truth behind them.

The flu vaccine is available on the NHS for adults and children who are considered "at risk".

This page covers:

Flu is just like having a heavy cold

The flu vaccine gives you flu

Flu can be treated with antibiotics

Once you've had the flu vaccine, you're protected for life

I'm pregnant, so I shouldn't have the flu jab because it will affect my baby

The flu jab won't protect me against swine flu

Children can't have the flu vaccine

I've had the flu already this autumn, so I don't need the vaccination this year

If I missed having the flu jab in October, it's too late to have it later in the year

Vitamin C can prevent flu

Flu is just like having a heavy cold

A bad bout of flu is much worse than a heavy cold. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and sometimes severely. They include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, as well as a cough and sore throat.

You're likely to spend two or three days in bed. If you get complications caused by flu, you could become seriously ill and have to go to hospital.

The flu vaccine gives you flu

No, it doesn't. The injected flu vaccine given to adults contains inactivated flu viruses, so it can't give you flu.

Your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected, and some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards. Other reactions are very rare.

Read more about how the injected flu vaccine works.

The children's nasal spray flu vaccine contains live but weakened flu viruses that will not give your child flu.

Read more about the children's flu vaccine.

Flu can be treated with antibiotics

No, it can't. Flu is caused by viruses – antibiotics only work against bacteria. You may be prescribed antiviral medicines to treat your flu.

Antivirals do not cure flu, but they can make you less infectious to others and reduce the length of time you may be ill.

To be effective, antivirals have to be given within a day or two of your symptoms appearing. A bacterial infection may occur as a result of having the flu, in which case you may be given antibiotics.

Find out more about why antibiotics shouldn't be overused.

Once you've had the flu vaccine, you're protected for life

No, you aren't. The viruses that cause flu can change every year, so you need a vaccination that matches the new viruses each year. The vaccine usually provides protection for the duration of that year's flu season.

Read more about what's in this winter's flu vaccine.

I'm pregnant, so I shouldn't have the flu jab because it will affect my baby

You should have the vaccine no matter what stage of pregnancy you're in. If you're pregnant, you could get very ill if you get flu, which could also be bad for your baby.

Having the jab can also protect your baby against flu after they're born and during the early months of life.

Read more about the flu jab in pregnancy.

The flu jab won't protect me against swine flu

Yes, it will. This year's flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses, including the H1N1 swine flu virus. This is because the virus is expected to be circulating this year.

Children can't have the flu vaccine

Yes, they can!

The nasal spray flu vaccine is recommended on the NHS for all healthy two- and three-year-olds – plus children in reception class, and school years one, two, three and four.

In addition, children "at risk" of serious illness if they catch flu are eligible for a flu vaccine on the NHS. This includes children with a pre-existing illness, such as a respiratory or neurological condition, and children who are having treatment that weakens their immune system, such as chemotherapy.

The flu vaccine is generally given as an injection to children aged six months to two years and as a nasal spray to children aged 2 to 17 years who have a long-term health condition.

The flu vaccine isn't suitable for babies under the age of six months.

Read more about which children can have the flu vaccine.

I've had the flu already this autumn, so I don't need the vaccination this year

You do need it if you're in one of the "at risk" groups.

As flu is caused by several viruses, the immunity you naturally developed will only protect you against one of them – you could go on to catch another strain, so it's recommended you have the jab even if you've recently had flu. Also, what you thought was flu could have been something else.

If I missed having the flu jab in October, it's too late to have it later in the year

No, it's not too late. It's better to have the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, usually in October, but it's always worth getting vaccinated after this, even if there have already been outbreaks of flu.

Vitamin C can prevent flu

No, it can't. Many people think that taking daily vitamin C supplements will stop them getting flu, but there's no evidence to prove this.

Read the answers to some common questions about flu and the flu vaccine.

Find out which adults should have the flu vaccine and which children can have the flu vaccine.

Is my child too ill for school?

When your child is unwell, it can be hard deciding whether to keep them off school. These simple guidelines should help.

Not every illness needs to keep your child from school. If you keep your child away from school, be sure to inform the school on the first day of their absence.

Use common sense when deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school. Ask yourself the following questions.

• Is my child well enough to do the activities of the school day? If not, keep your child at home.
• Does my child have a condition that could be passed on to other children or school staff? If so, keep your child at home.
• Would I take a day off work if I had this condition? If so, keep your child at home.

Common conditions

If your child is ill, it's likely to be due to one of a few minor health conditions.

Whether you send your child to school will depend on how severe you think the illness is. Use this guidance to help you make that judgement.

Remember: if you're concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

• Cough and cold. A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by a raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child should stay off school, visit the GP and return to school 24 hours after they start to feel better. If your child has a more severe and long-lasting cough, consult your GP. They can give guidance on whether your child should stay off school. Get more information in Common cold.
• Raised temperature. If your child has a raised temperature, they shouldn't attend school. They can return 24 hours after they start to feel better. Learn more in Feverish illness in children.
• Rash. Skin rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses, such as chickenpox and measles. Children with these conditions shouldn't attend school. If your child has a rash, check with your GP or practice nurse before sending them to school. Watch this slideshow of childhood illnesses to help you recognise your child's rash.
• Headache. A child with a minor headache doesn't usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep the child off school and consult your GP. Read more about what to do about headaches in children.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea. Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should definitely be kept off school until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. Most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in children get better without treatment, but if symptoms persist, consult your GP.
• Sore throat. A sore throat alone doesn't have to keep a child from school. But if it's accompanied by a raised temperature, your child should stay at home. Read more about sore throat.
• Chickenpox. If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all their spots have crusted over. Read more about chickenpox.

Now, read about medicines for children with everyday health problems.

Tell the school

It’s important to inform the school if your child is going to be absent. On the first day of your child's illness, telephone the school to tell them that your child will be staying at home. The school may ask about the nature of the illness and how long you expect the absence to last.

If it becomes clear that your child will be away for longer than expected, phone the school as soon as possible to explain this.

Five facts about colds

Some surprising facts about colds, including what causes symptoms such as a blocked nose, and why mucus turns thick and yellow.

1. Cold viruses don't make us feel ill

"It's your own immune response that makes you feel ill," says Professor Ron Eccles of the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, where experts have researched the common cold for more than 20 years.

When you get a cold, the virus attacks the nose and the back of the throat, and it doesn't take long for the body's natural defences to start to work.

"The immune system detects the virus and floods the area with white blood cells and chemical messengers, and these trigger various symptoms such as headaches and a blocked nose."

2. A blocked nose is due to swollen erectile tissue

"During a cold, the lining of your nose is the battlefront," says Professor Eccles. When your nose feels blocked, it isn't because it's full of mucus, but because the blood vessels in your nose are inflamed.

The nasal lining is made from erectile tissue (similar to the tissue in the sexual organs). When you have a cold, the blood vessels swell up as infection-fighting white blood cells flood to the area. This narrows the air passage in your nose and restricts the airflow as you breathe.

A decongestant spray can reduce the swelling and allow you to breathe more easily.

3. You can catch a cold through your eyes

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release droplets of mucus into the air, or into their hand if they use their hand to cover their mouth. If you get these droplets on your hand (for example, by shaking hands or touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs), you can pass them into your eyes or nose when you touch them.

Most of us touch our eyes and nose more often than we realise. A duct links the eyes and the nasal cavity, and the virus travels easily from the eye to the nose and throat, where it can cause infection. You can help avoid being infected by washing your hands thoroughly.

4. Children get more colds than adults

Children get around seven to ten colds a year, compared with two to three for adults. So people who spend a lot of time with children, such as childminders, nursery teachers or school teachers, are also more likely to pick up the viruses.

5. Yellow mucus is caused by white blood cells

When your immune system is fighting a cold virus, one of the first symptoms is clear, runny mucus from the nose. As the cold develops, mucus usually becomes thicker and yellow, then green. White blood cells cause this change in colour and texture as they flood to the nasal area and increase in number as the cold progresses.

"Many people think that yellow or green mucus is caused by bacteria, but this isn't the case," says Professor Eccles. "It's because there are billions of white blood cells in the mucus."

Preventing colds and flu

Many people believe vitamin C can cure the flu and echinacea can prevent colds. But is there scientific evidence to back this up?

Can vitamin C stop a cold?

"Research has found no evidence that vitamin C prevents colds," says Dr Hasmukh Joshi, vice-chair of the Royal College of GPs.

In 2013, an updated review of studies into vitamin C and the common cold concluded that "regular ingestion of vitamin C had no effect on common cold incidence in the ordinary population".

The review results suggested that vitamin C might help prevent colds in people exposed to short periods of intense physical activity, such as marathon runners or skiers, but not in the general population.

A daily dose of vitamin C did slightly reduce the length and severity of colds in the ordinary population.

When it comes to flu, one person in three believes that taking vitamin C can cure the flu virus. It can’t.

"Studies found that vitamin C offers a very, very limited benefit," says Dr Joshi. "I wouldn't recommend it."

Does echinacea reduce cold risk?

The root, seeds and other parts of echinacea plants are used in herbal remedies that many people believe protect them against colds. There have been several studies into echinacea’s effect, but no firm conclusions.

A 2013 update of a review of trials on echinacea and the common cold found that echinacea products were not shown to provide benefit in treating colds overall, but that it was possible there is a weak benefit from some echinacea products.

The review found that trials looking at whether echinacea prevents colds showed positive, but non-significant, results.

The studies reviewed had varying results and used different preparations of echinacea. It’s not known how these compare with the echinacea in shops.

"There is a belief that echinacea aids the immune system, but a survey of studies in 2005 showed that it did not," says Dr Joshi. "I wouldn't recommend that it helps, but if people believe it, they can take it."

Echinacea should not be given to children under 12 years old.

Find out more about a study of echinacea published in 2012 at Echinacea cold study claims analysed.

Will zinc put off a cold?

There is some evidence that taking zinc (in lozenges, tablets or syrup) may reduce how long a cold lasts.

A 2013 update of a Cochrane review of studies into zinc and the common cold suggests that taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of the symptoms starting will speed up recovery from a cold and lessen the severity of symptoms in healthy people.

Long-term use of zinc isn't recommended as it could cause side effects such as nausea and a bad taste in the mouth. More research is required to find out the recommended dose.

There has also been research into nasal sprays containing zinc. "Some people believe that the zinc lines the mucosa [the lining of the nose] and stops a cold virus attaching itself to the nose lining," says Dr Joshi. "Unfortunately, this has been found to be no more effective than a placebo."

Does getting cold or wet cause colds?

The only thing that can cause a cold or flu is a cold or flu virus. Getting cold or wet won’t give you a cold. However, if you are already carrying the virus in your nose, it might allow symptoms to develop.

A study at the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff found that people who chilled their feet in cold water for 20 minutes were twice as likely to develop a cold as those who didn't chill their feet.

The authors suggest that this is because some people carry cold viruses without having symptoms. Getting chilled causes blood vessels in the nose to constrict, affecting the defences in the nose and making it easier for the virus to replicate.

"Getting a cold from going out in the cold or after washing your hair is a myth," says Dr Joshi. "Colds are common. If the virus is already there and then you go out with wet hair and develop symptoms, it's common to think that is what caused it."

So what does work to prevent colds and flu?

The flu vaccine can prevent you from catching flu. Apart from that, the best way to protect yourself from colds and flu is to have a healthy lifestyle.

"Eat a healthy diet, take regular exercise and drink plenty of warm drinks in the winter months," says Dr Joshi. "The important thing to remember is that most people are going to catch a cold in winter anyway, because there is no effective cure for cold viruses."

Washing your hands will help avoid transmitting cold and flu viruses

Cold and flu viruses can be passed through tiny droplets of mucus that are sneezed or coughed out into the air by an infected person, and breathed in by another person.

If an infected person sneezes into their hand, and then touches an object (such as a doorknob, or railing on a train) the virus can pass from the object to the next person who touches it.

By washing your hands, you will be getting rid of any viruses you've picked up on them.

Avoiding touching your nose and eyes will help stop you getting infected

Cold and flu viruses can enter your body through the eyes and nose. If you have any infected droplets on your hands, and you touch your eyes or nose, you can pass the virus into your system.

By not touching your nose and eyes, you'll reduce your chances of catching a virus.

Cold or flu?

Flu is not a 'bad cold'. Each year, thousands of people die of complications after catching the flu. Find out how colds and flu differ.

Colds and flu share some of the same symptoms (cough, sore throat), but are caused by different viruses. Flu can be much more serious than a cold.

If you're generally fit and healthy, you can usually manage the symptoms of a cold or flu yourself without seeing a doctor. Look after yourself by resting, drinking non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration and avoiding strenuous activity. Painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can relieve aches and pains.

Symptoms

There are around 200 viruses that cause colds and just three that cause flu. There are many strains of these flu viruses, and the vaccine changes every year to protect against the most common ones.

Colds cause more nasal problems, such as blocked nose, than flu. Fever, fatigue and muscle aches are more likely and more severe with flu.

Colds

Symptoms of a cold include:

• runny nose – beginning with clear mucus that develops into thicker, green mucus as the cold progresses
• blocked nose
• sore throat
• sneezing
• cough

People with a cold may also suffer with a mild fever, earache, tiredness and headache. Symptoms develop over one or two days and gradually get better after a few days. Some colds can last for up to two weeks.

Help prevent colds and flu from spreading by:

• coughing or sneezing into a tissue
• throwing the tissue away
• washing your hands
• getting the flu jab if you're eligible

According to the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, a cold is most contagious during the early stages, when the person has a runny nose and sore throat.

Flu

Flu usually comes on much more quickly than a cold, and symptoms include:

• sudden fever of 38-40C (100-104F)
• muscle aches and pains
• sweating
• feeling exhausted and needing to lie down
• a dry, chesty cough

A person with flu may also have a runny nose and be prone to sneezing, but these are not usually the defining symptoms of flu.

Flu symptoms appear one to three days after infection and most people recover within a week, although you may feel tired for longer. A severe cold can also cause muscle aches and fever, so it can be hard to tell the difference.

Whether it’s a cold or flu, get medical help if you either:

• have a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease)
• have a very high fever as well as an unusually severe headache or abdominal or chest pain

People more at risk

Some people need to take extra care as they're more at risk of serious chest complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. People over 65 are more at risk of complications. People under 65, including children, are more at risk of complications if they have:

• serious heart or chest complaints, including asthma
• serious kidney disease or liver disease
• diabetes
• lowered immunity due to disease or medical treatment
• had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Everyone in an at-risk group is eligible for a free flu vaccination, which is the best protection against the virus. Find out who is offered the flu jab, including all pregnant women.

Stop the viruses spreading

Cold and flu viruses are spread by droplets that are coughed or sneezed out by an infected person. Other people can breathe in these droplets or transfer the droplets to their eyes or nose, via their fingers.

Protect yourself and others against colds and flu by:

• coughing or sneezing into a tissue
• throwing a used tissue away as soon as possible
• washing your hands as soon as possible
• having a flu jab every year if you're in an at-risk group

Colds and flu viruses can also be passed on via infected droplets on objects or surfaces, such as door handles. You can help to prevent passing on or getting colds and flu by washing your hands regularly, and avoiding touching your eyes and nose.

Flu and the flu vaccine

Flu is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are carrying the virus.

If you're at risk of complications from flu, make sure you have your annual flu vaccine, available each year usually from October onwards.

Who should have the jab?

You are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination if you are in an "at-risk" group.

Find out if you should have the flu jab

There are two types of flu vaccine:

• the injected flu vaccine for adults and children under two
• nasal spray flu vaccine for children over the age of two

The effects of flu

Flu symptoms can hit quite suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles. You can often get a cough and sore throat.

Because flu is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics won't treat it.

Anyone can get flu, but it can be more serious for certain people, such as:

• people aged 65 or over
• people who have a serious medical condition
• pregnant women

If you are in one of these groups, you're more vulnerable to the effects of flu (even if the condition is well managed and you normally feel well). You could develop flu complications, which are more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia, which could result in hospitalisation.

Flu can also make existing medical conditions worse.

Read more about flu.

Should you have the flu jab?

See your GP about the flu jab if you're 65 or over, or if you have any of the following problems (however old you are):

• a serious heart complaint
• a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
• serious kidney disease
• diabetes
• lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
• if you have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
• if you have a problem with your spleen or you have had your spleen removed
• are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 or above)

Your GP may advise you to have a flu jab if you have serious liver disease or a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy or learning disability.

Read more about who should have the flu jab.

Can I get a flu jab privately?

Yes, you can pay for the flu vaccination privately if you’re unable to have it on the NHS. It is available from some pharmacies and GPs on a private patient basis

Pregnant women and the flu jab

If you're pregnant, you should have the flu jab, regardless of the stage of pregnancy you've reached. Pregnant women are more prone to complications from flu that can cause serious illness for both mother and baby.

If you are pregnant and catch flu, talk to your GP urgently as you may need treatment with antiviral medicine.

Read more about the flu jab in pregnancy.

Children and the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine for children is a nasal spray and is available each year on the NHS for two- and three-year-olds plus children in recepton class and school years one, two, three and four.

Over the next few years the programme will be extended to children in other year groups.

Children with a long-term health condition should also have a flu vaccination because their illness could get worse if they catch flu. This includes any child over the age of six months with a long-term health problem such as a serious respiratory or neurological condition.

If you have a child with a long-term condition, speak to your GP about whether they should have the flu vaccination. Some children with a long-term health condition may be advised to have the flu vaccine injection rather than the nasal spray.

This NHS leaflet gives you five reasons to vaccinate your child against flu (PDF, 408kb).

This NHS leaflet tells you more about which type of flu vaccine your child should have (PDF, 125kb).

Carers and the flu jab

If you're the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, make sure they've had their flu jab. As a carer, you could be eligible for a flu jab too. Ask your GP for advice.

How the flu vaccine works

The injected flu vaccine contains inactivated, or killed, strains of the flu virus and therefore cannot cause flu.

The nasal spray flu vaccine for children contains live, but weakened forms of flu virus but again this vaccine does not cause flu.

The flu virus in both the injected and nasal spray vaccine is grown on fertilised hens' eggs so anyone with an egg allergy should have an alternative egg-free vaccine.

Read more about how the flu jab works.

Read more about how the children's flu nasal vaccine works.

Flu jab side effects

Coping with colds and flu

Most of us will have a cold this autumn or winter, and some of us will have the flu. Here's how to look after yourself if these viruses affect you.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. There are more than 200 common cold viruses and three types of flu virus, with many different strains, so they're hard to avoid.

These viruses can be spread through droplets that are coughed and sneezed out by an infected person. The viruses can also be transferred via a person's fingers or surfaces, such as door handles, if there are infected droplets on them.

The virus enters the body via the nose or eyes. If you have infected droplets on your fingers and you touch your eyes or nose, the virus can enter your body.

Cold symptoms

The main symptoms of winter cold and flu bugs are:

• coughing
• sneezing
• blocked nose
• sore throat
• headache
• a slight temperature

If these are the only symptoms you have, it’s unlikely that your GP will be able to do anything.

You may want to visit your local pharmacy, where you can get advice on how to manage the symptoms and buy over-the-counter medicine.

Don't pass it on

Get rest and eat well

Dr Rupal Shah, a GP in south London, has the following advice: “Try to rest, eat well, avoid stress and keep hydrated. If you have a fever, you may need extra fluids. You could also take paracetamol to treat fever and pain, or inhale steam with a decongestant in to help clear a blocked nose.”

Pharmacists say cold and flu medicines are among their top sellers in the winter. Some of the remedies combine painkillers with decongestants, which can help to manage symptoms.

“Painkillers – such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin – can really help if you have a cold,” says pharmacist Angela Chalmers. However, aspirin shouldn't be given to children under 16 years of age. She adds that, “decongestants help to reduce the swelling inside your nose so you can breathe more easily”.

Find your local pharmacy.

In most cases, antibiotics (which are used to treat bacterial infections) aren’t necessary. “Colds and flu, and most coughs, are caused by viruses, so antibiotics can’t help. Minor bacterial infections will also be fought off by natural immunity,” explains Dr Shah.

Read more about treating colds and treating flu.

Children and colds

Children can be treated using some over-the-counter painkillers, to ease discomfort and help bring down a fever. Both paracetamol and ibuprofen are available as a liquid for children, and can be given from the age of about three months. Always check with your doctor if you aren’t sure which treatments you can give your child.

There are some benefits, particularly for children, in catching a few coughs and colds. “Children tend to get a lot of colds because the body takes time to build up immunity. Your body learns to fight off a particular kind of virus every time you get an infection, which is why you get fewer colds as you get older," says Angela Chalmers.

Find out about children and medicines.

When to see a doctor

While most bugs will run their course without doing any real harm, Dr Shah says there are certain cases when you or your child should see a GP. These include:

• if you or your child have a chronic condition – such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
• if you have a very high temperature and feel ill – for example, if you also have an unusually severe headache or abdominal pain
• if your child is vomiting but does not have diarrhoea, or has a rash in addition to the fever
• if your child stops drinking and is unusually lethargic
• if your child’s fever doesn’t respond to paracetamol or ibuprofen

Babies, as well as older and frailer people, should get help if they're unwell.

Always contact your GP, health visitor, practice nurse or nurse practitioner if either:

• your child has other signs of illness, as well as a raised temperature
• your baby’s temperature is 38C (100.4F) or higher (if they’re under three months)
• your baby’s temperature is 39C (102.2F) or higher (if they’re three to six months)

If you need to speak to someone outside of normal surgery hours, you can call your GP surgery’s out-of-hours service (if they have one) or NHS 111.

Help stop germs spreading

CATCH IT Germs spread easily. Always carry tissues and use them to catch your cough or sneeze.
BIN IT Germs can live for several hours on tissues. Dispose of your tissue as soon as possible.
KILL IT Hands can transfer germs to every surface you touch. Clean your hands as soon as you can. This guide tells you how to wash your hands properly.