Flu shot fears? Local doctors say it's a myth

To get a flu shot, or not to get a flu shot? That is the question that is commonly under debate when September flips to October. While some say it's a no-brainer, others are more skeptical. But some local physicians say there are several myths revolving around influenza vaccinations. "You can't get the flu from a flu shot," said Dr. Alan Gruenefeldt, a family medicine physician with 27 years of experience with Sutter Medical Group in Auburn. "Most people have a cold or allergies when they think they have flu." According to Dr. John Belko, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, what may seem like flu symptoms are actually the body's natural response to the vaccine. "Some individuals, if they have a robust response, may develop symptoms that they think they'll have influenza when it's really the body's immune system learning how to fight it once it gets re-exposed," Belko said. "They may experience some body aches or a low-grade fever after the vaccine, maybe some congestion or a stuffy nose, but it's all generally mild in comparison to if they develop true influenza." Some in the general public argue they're better off without a vaccination since they've always had a great immune system and rarely get sick. "That's great, but at some point, you will," Belko said. "When you do, the likely infections will be much worse than if you haven't gotten a flu vaccine. You could be off work for a week to 10 days, whereas if you've gotten a flu vaccine, it may reduce that to a couple of days. That's a pretty big difference for people, especially if you're living paycheck to paycheck." Belko said annual flu strains are continuously monitored and studied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) throughout the year as they migrate from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. Based on the findings, Belko said, decisions on which strains to include in new vaccinations are typically made in February, with production completing by June for July and August shipments. There are several variations of seasonal flu vaccines, including egg-based and cell-based mixtures. According to the CDC: Flu shots are vaccines given with a needle, usually in the arm. Quadrivalent flu vaccines protect against four different viruses. High-dose flu vaccines contain four times the amount of antigen (the part of the vaccine that helps your body build up protection against flu viruses) as a regular flu shot and is licensed specifically for people ages 65 and up. Cell-based vaccines are grown in cultured cells of mammalian origin instead of hens' eggs. Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) is given as a nasal spray. Flu vaccination via jet injector is approved for use in people 18 through 64 years old. Adjuvanted flu vaccine is made with an ingredient added to a vaccine that helps create a stronger immune response and is licensed specifically for people 65 years and older. Recombinant flu vaccines are produced using a method that does not require an egg-grown vaccine virus. According to the CDC, an adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps boost immune response in recipients. Some vaccines that are made from weakened or killed germs contain naturally occurring adjuvants. However, most vaccines developed today include just small components of germs, such as their proteins, rather than the entire virus or bacteria. All vaccines containing adjuvants are tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials before they are licensed for use in the United States and are continuously monitored by CDC and FDA once they are approved. In what has become an especially worrisome year for infectious diseases, experts say there are some similar symptoms found in the seasonal flu and COVID-19. Gruenefeldt said common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue and sore throat. While influenza may cause a worse cough than COVID-19, the latter is more likely to cause muscle aches and a more severe loss of smell or taste. Another telltale sign to potentially differentiate the two is the timetable of symptoms. "COVID tends to have a slower onset," Belko said. "Flu is like being hit by a Mack truck. All of a sudden, boom, I'm sick." Belko and Gruenefeldt said flu vaccinations are not just about protecting oneself but protecting others as well. As schools begin to reopen during the peak of flu season, both encourage people of all ages to get immunized. "Kids are vectors of influenza," Belko said. "Typically, as influenza spreads within schools, kids that get sick get sent home. Well, if mom and dad are typically working, who ends up taking care of the kids? Classically, Grandma and Grandpa. Then they get the flu. If they have underlying medical issues, it may tip them to wind up going to the hospital. So, immunizing kids can help interrupt that chain of transmission." People wishing to receive vaccinations should call their personal healthcare provider. Much more rigid safety precautions are in place at most clinics, but appointment-based walk-ins and drive-through services are available. "Because of COVID, the risk of people contracting both simultaneously makes it more important to get vaccinations this year to protect themselves, their family and rest of society," Gruenefeldt said. For more info on seasonal flu vaccinations, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htmwww.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm.