Identifying what’s true and what’s not about the prevention and treatment of the flu.
So what should you do if you have the flu?
Take vitamin C? Gargle salt-water? Eat garlic? When it comes to treating the flu, everyone has their favourite home remedies. But do they actually work?
Here we describe what’s true and what’s false when it comes to beating the flu. And what’s more, if you click on a panel below, you can learn more about that topic.
The flu and COVID-19
The flu and COVID-19 are caused by the same virus
False
The flu and COVID-19 are caused by the same virus
Both illnesses are caused by viruses, but the flu is caused by the influenza virus whereas COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus. These viruses cause different illnesses.1–3
Unlike COVID-19, the flu can be treated effectively
True
Unlike COVID-19, the flu can be treated effectively
The flu can be treated with antivirals prescribed by your doctor, whereas there are no approved treatments for COVID-19.Potential treatments for COVID-19 are under investigation and are currently being tested in clinical trials.5
The flu doesn’t spread fast like COVID-19
False
The flu doesn’t spread fast like COVID-19
For the flu, the time it takes for one case of the virus to lead to another is estimated to be 3 days, compared with up to 6 days for COVID-19. This means that the flu can spread more quickly than COVID-19.6
Flu antivirals vs over-the-counter flu remedies or antibiotics
You need a prescription for antiviral flu medication
True
You need a prescription for antiviral flu medication
Antiviral flu medications are only available with a prescription.4 They are most effective when taken within 48 hours of developing flu symptoms,7 so speak to your doctor when you think you have the first signs of flu.
Antibiotics are a good treatment for the flu
False
Antibiotics are a good treatment for the flu
Antibiotics will not work to treat the flu, as these treat bacterial infections and not those caused by viruses such as influenza.4,8 They might help treat some of the bacterial complications that the flu can cause, but will not have an effect on the flu virus itself.8
Over-the-counter flu medicines can cure the flu
False
Over-the-counter flu medicines can cure the flu
You might consider taking one of the many over-the-counter flu medications to treat your flu. But often these only provide short-term relief from the symptoms of the flu.9 Antivirals directly target the flu virus that is the causing the flu symptoms.10
The flu vaccine
The flu vaccine can give you the flu
False
The flu vaccine can give you the flu
You cannot catch the flu from an influenza vaccine - this is because:
- Most vaccines do not contain live flu viruses – the viruses are inactive, and the vaccine helps your body’s immune system recognise the flu so that it can fight it more effectively if you become infected11,14
- Some vaccines (called ‘live attenuated influenza vaccine’) do contain a live flu virus, but the virus has been engineered so that it cannot infect your cells and replicate as it normally would. Instead, your body’s immune system learns to recognise the flu so that it can fight it more effectively if you are exposed to the same type of flu virus again in the future11,14
- You will probably have already received a live attenuated vaccine in your lifetime, as they are also used to protect against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR); and varicella (chicken pox)14
Your doctor will always recommend the most appropriate flu vaccine for you and be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Only high-risk groups such as pregnant women and older people need a vaccine
False
Only high-risk groups such as pregnant women and older people need a vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine,11 unless they have a specific contraindication.15 People in high-risk groups are especially encouraged to get the flu vaccine because of the added complications they can encounter if they catch the flu.16
You don’t need a flu vaccine every year
False
You don’t need a flu vaccine every year
The flu virus is constantly changing, and so new vaccines are developed each year to tackle particular types of the flu. In addition, your immune system can ‘forget’ what a flu infection looks like and so needs reminding.6 This is why the CDC recommends getting the flu shot every year.11
A flu vaccine protects you from all types of the flu
False
A flu vaccine protects you from all types of the flu
Even if you’ve been given the flu vaccine, you could still catch the flu. This is because the virus evolves quickly, so in one flu season there may be several different types (or ‘strains’) of flu. As a result, flu strains can emerge that vaccines have not been designed to defend against.17 This makes some people question flu shot effectiveness, however studies have shown that the flu vaccine is still one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the flu overall, and provides a number of benefits.17,18
Some people are allergic to vaccine ingredients
True
Some people are allergic to vaccine ingredients
Some flu vaccines are made using eggs, which some people may be allergic to. However, people with egg allergies can receive any licensed, recommended age-appropriate influenza vaccine and no longer have to be monitored for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.19 People who have severe egg allergies should be vaccinated in a medical setting and be supervised by a healthcare provider who is able to recognise and manage severe allergic conditions.11,19
There is no difference between a vaccine and an immunisation
Fiction
There is no difference between a vaccine and an immunisation
Although we often use the words vaccine and immunisation to mean the same thing, they are different. Immunisation refers to the process a person’s body goes through after receiving a vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine,6 unless they have a specific contraindication.8 People in high-risk groups are especially encouraged to get the flu vaccine because of the added complications they can encounter if they catch the flu.9
Flu symptom relief
The flu is just a bad cold – the symptoms are the same
False
The flu is just a bad cold – the symptoms are the same
Although colds and the flu are both infectious diseases and share some of the same symptoms, they are very different illnesses:1
- You may feel unwell with a cold but be able to carry on with everyday life, but the flu can cause fatigue and weakness that might mean you’ll need to spend a few days in bed
- A cold usually develops gradually whereas the flu can appear much more suddenly
- The flu can result in the development of very serious complications, whereas colds generally do not
Chicken soup can cure the flu
False
Chicken soup can cure the flu
Sorry chicken soup fans. There is no evidence to suggest that chicken soup, or any food in fact, can cure the flu. However, soup recipes often contain ingredients that can keep your body nourished while fighting an infection, and the liquid in soups and broths could help you stay hydrated.
The flu isn’t a serious illness
False
The flu isn’t a serious illness
While most people who catch the flu make a full recovery, for some there can be complications, resulting in much more serious illness or even death. The CDC estimates that every year in the United States, there are up to 49 million cases of the flu. Of those infected, up to 960,000 might be hospitalised, and 79,000 might die.20
Antivirals can help ease symptoms of the flu
True
Antivirals can help ease symptoms of the flu
Antivirals actively fight the flu virus itself, preventing it from reproducing.4,10 When taken within 48 hours of first noticing flu symptoms,7 antivirals can lessen the effects of the flu, help you get better sooner, and reduce the risk of flu complications compared to no treatment.21
If you’re looking for advice on how to treat the flu, speak to your doctor and ask about antivirals.
Antiviral treatments can help you beat the flu.4,10,21
Ask your doctor if an antiviral is right for you.
It’s important to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu symptoms and complications. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Frequently Asked Questions. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html. Last accessed: October 2020..
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). COVID-19 symptoms. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What You Should Know About Influenza (Flu) Antiviral Drugs: Fact Sheet, 2018. Available from: www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/antiviral-factsheet-updated.pdf. Last accessed: October 2020.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19). Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses. Last accessed: October 2020.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Q&A: Similarities and differences – COVID-19 and influenza. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-similarities-and-differences-covid-19-and-influenza. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Lehnert R et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2016; 113(47): 799–807.
- Low D. Clin Microbiol Infect 2008; 14(4): 298–306.
- Klepser ME. Drugs 2014; 74(13): 1467–1479.
- Stiver G. CMAJ 2003; 168(1): 49–56.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine, 2018. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Lee LYY et al. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16(4): e1008395.
- Lou Z et al. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2014; 35(2): 86–102.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding How Vaccines Work, 2018. Available from: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/downloads/vacsafe-understand-color-office.pdf. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Who Needs a Flu Vaccine and When, 2017. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People at High Risk of Developing Serious Flu–Related Complications, 2018. Available from: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines, 2018. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Talbot HK et al. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 56(12): 1774–1777.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2016; 65: 5. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6505.pdf. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Estimated Influenza Illnesses, Medical visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths in the United States — 2017–2018 influenza season. Available from: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2017-2018.htm. Last accessed: October 2020.
- Allen UD et al. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol 2006: 17(5): 273–284.