Being healthy doesn’t make you immune to the flu. A healthy adult, however, has a lower risk of suffering from severe flu complications compared to young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Flu vaccines do not cause the flu. Flu shots are formulated with either an inactivated virus or no flu virus at all, making them non-infectious. The nasal spray flu vaccine contains a weakened live virus. Both types of vaccines stimulate the immune system to respond to flu viruses.

It’s important to note that you might still get sick shortly after receiving the vaccine. This is because it takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop in the body and provide protection against the influenza virus. That’s why it’s recommended to get vaccinated promptly, in accordance with government recommendations in your region.

While the flu and common cold may share some similarities, they are distinct illnesses. The flu is a more severe respiratory illness that can result in serious complications like meningitis, pneumonia, and, in some cases, even death.

This is a common flu myth that is inaccurate. Exposure to cold weather without appropriate winter clothing may result in discomfort like shivering and frostbite, but it does not cause the flu. The flu is caused solely by the influenza virus, and the misconception arises because flu season often aligns with the winter months. Nevertheless, it’s important to bundle up and stay warm during winter to protect yourself from other cold-related risks.