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Winter is here, and along with the smell of fireplaces and snow-dusted trees comes the inevitable return of flu season. And for those who remember the heightened health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, flu season can still feel unsettling.
Anywhere from 10 million to 41 million people in the US contract the flu each year. With this year’s flu season already showing early spikes in cases, ThinkFives wants to ensure teachers are well-informed—and help bust some of the most common flu myths.
Here are the Top 5 Myths About the Flu according to AI.
Myth: The Flu is Not Serious
Many people casually refer to any cold or respiratory illness as “the flu,” but influenza is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease—especially for high-risk populations like young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
Influenza causes an estimated 12,000 to 52,000 deaths and over 300,000 hospitalizations annually, depending on the severity of the strains.
While mild cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, or cough are common with many respiratory viruses, the flu often comes on suddenly and includes more intense symptoms like high fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches.
“If you have emergency symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away,” advises the Mayo Clinic. For adults, these may include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent dizziness or confusion
- Seizures
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
Myth: The Flu Vaccine Can Give You the Flu
This is one of the most persistent—and inaccurate—rumors about the flu. It is biologically impossible for the flu shot to give you the flu.
According to UCSF Health, “The flu shot delivered via a needle contains ‘inactive’ viruses that simply cannot cause an infection. While the vaccine delivered by nasal spray contains live viruses, experts have weakened them so they cannot give you the flu.”
This myth has persisted because it is common to experience some symptoms unrelated to the flu virus, such as tenderness or redness in the area where you received the shot. Some people also may develop achiness, a mild fever, or a runny nose. These are mild, temporary immune responses—not illness.
Also, the CDC also strongly recommends that pregnant individuals get vaccinated against the flu. In fact, expecting moms have a higher risk for serious complications from influenza than other women of reproductive age.
Also worth noting for families: the vaccine provides protection to the infant postpartum.
Myth: You Don’t Need a Flu Shot If You’re Healthy or Got One Last Year
This is a dangerous misconception. According to the CDC, everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year—even healthy individuals.
Vaccination is especially important for those at higher risk of serious complications from influenza, such as older adults, young children, pregnant people, and individuals with chronic health conditions. It’s also critical for people who live with or care for someone in a high-risk group.
Being healthy doesn’t exempt you from needing the flu shot. And if you wait until you start feeling sick, it’s too late—the vaccine takes up to two weeks to become effective.
Why do you need a flu shot every year? There are two main reasons:
- Flu strains change each season, so the vaccine is reformulated annually to target the most likely circulating viruses.
- Vaccine protection fades over time, so last year’s shot won’t offer strong enough immunity this season.
Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to protect yourself—and those around you—from a potentially serious illness.
Myth: Getting a Vaccination is All You Need To Do
While getting a flu shot is the most important step in protecting yourself from influenza, it’s not a guarantee that you won’t get sick.
According to the CDC, when the vaccine is well-matched to circulating strains, it can reduce your risk of needing to see a doctor for flu symptoms by 40% to 60%. In other words, even with the vaccine, some people may still catch the flu—but it’s usually less severe and less likely to lead to hospitalization or serious complications.
To stay healthy during flu season, vaccination should be combined with everyday preventive actions, including:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Washing your hands often with soap and water
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Regularly cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces at home, work, and school
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with plenty of sleep, hydration, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Think of the flu shot as your first line of defense—not your only one.
Myth: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
This old saying might sound clever, but it doesn’t hold up to medical science. Whether you have a cold or the flu—and especially if you have a fever—your body needs fluids and nutrients to fight off infection.
There’s no need to dramatically change how much you eat, but skipping meals or “starving” yourself can actually slow your recovery. Even if you don’t feel hungry, aim to eat small, nutritious meals and stay well hydrated.
And while we’re at it—not to offend your well-meaning grandmother—chicken soup doesn’t cure the flu either. That said, hot liquids like soup can soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and help keep you hydrated, which all support your body’s healing process.
Best Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu:
1. Broth-Based Soups (like Chicken Soup)
- Helps keep you hydrated
- Warm liquids soothe sore throat and loosen mucus
- Chicken soup may reduce inflammation slightly and helps with congestion
2. Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruit, Lemons)
- High in vitamin C, which may slightly reduce duration/severity of illness
- Also hydrating and easy on the stomach
3. Bananas, Applesauce, Toast, and Rice (aka BRAT foods)
- Gentle on the stomach if you’re nauseous
- Provides simple carbs for energy
- Great if you’re dealing with digestive symptoms
4. Garlic and Ginger
- Garlic may have mild antiviral and antibacterial properties
- Ginger is excellent for nausea relief and may soothe inflammation
5. Oatmeal
- Warm, bland, and easy to eat
- Provides fiber and energy
- Can be mixed with honey or fruit for added benefits
6. Yogurt with Live Cultures
- Contains probiotics that support gut health and immunity
- Choose unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties
7. Honey (in tea or on toast)
- Soothes sore throat and may suppress cough
- Also has antimicrobial properties
8. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)
- Packed with vitamins A, C, and E to boost immune function
- Add to soups or smoothies if you’re not in the mood for salads
9. Popsicles or Ice Chips
- Helps reduce fever and soothe a dry or sore throat
- Also keeps you hydrated if you’re not drinking much
10. Plenty of Fluids
- Not a food, but absolutely critical
- Water, electrolyte drinks (like Pedialyte or sports drinks), herbal teas, and clear broths all help fight dehydration—especially important with fever or sweating
❌ What to Avoid:
- Sugary foods: Can impair immune function
- Dairy (if you’re very congested): May thicken mucus for some people
- Greasy or spicy foods: Can upset your stomach
In short: don’t starve a fever—nourish your body.
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Stay vigilant about hand washing! 🖐🏼
Hand washing and immunity-boosting in all the ways!