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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWATCH NOW<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the flu, certain myths seem to persist over time. So, what\u2019s fact and what\u2019s fiction? Let\u2019s look at some of the most common myths related to the flu and get to the truth of the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MYTH:<\/strong> The flu is the same thing as a cold.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FACT:<\/strong> While both are contagious and have certain similar symptoms, colds tend to be mild. The flu usually develops suddenly and lasts 2 to 3 days. The flu can be dangerous, especially to older and susceptible populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n MYTH:<\/strong> You can\u2019t die from the flu. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FACT<\/strong>: People who have severe cases of the flu or are part of high-risk populations can die from the flu, which makes it even more important that they receive an annual flu vaccine. These individuals include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The flu is also particularly dangerous to people who have other underlying health conditions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n MYTH<\/strong>: The flu vaccine will give you the flu. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FACT<\/strong>: <\/em>You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The vaccine is made up of dead viruses that can\u2019t infect you, but merely help your body identify and fight the live virus, should it show up. That\u2019s not to say you can\u2019t have side effects that mimic flu-like symptoms. The injection site could become red, sore, or swollen. You also may have muscle aches, headaches, or a low fever for a short period of time. These effects occur as the body adapts and prepares to fight the virus when it\u2019s time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MYTH<\/strong>: You don\u2019t need to get the flu vaccine if you\u2019re healthy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FACT<\/strong>: While being healthy is certainly a good thing, unfortunately it may not prevent the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MYTH<\/strong>: You don\u2019t need to get the flu vaccine every year. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n FACT<\/strong>: The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which can change from year to year. Because of this, the flu vaccine is updated to protect against the main types of flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopefully we\u2019ve laid out the case that the flu is a formidable, and potentially dangerous virus. So how do we fight back to protect ourselves and our loved ones? Don\u2019t despair, science has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vaccination against influenza decreases the chance of infection, lessens the severity of infection, and can reduce the chance of hospitalization, especially for elderly Americans or individuals with chronic heart conditions or lung disease. But just because you\u2019re young and healthy doesn\u2019t make you exempt. Everyone is susceptible to the flu, and catching the virus could put you out of commission for weeks. In fact, except for rare cases, the CDC states that everyone over the age of 6 months should get the annual flu vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Should I Get It?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The duration of flu season can vary, but infections often begin to increase in September and last as late as May, with the heaviest parts of flu season occurring between December and February. The best bet for maximum protection against severe illness is to receive the flu vaccine every year near the beginning of the flu season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the flu, don\u2019t risk it. Get the flu vaccine! Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) health plans cover 100% of the cost of the flu vaccine when it\u2019s administered by an in-network provider, such as your primary care provider (PCP) or a retail health clinic<\/a>. You don\u2019t have to look far. Many drugstores, hospitals, and doctor\u2019s offices now offer the vaccine. Blue KC members can find an in-network flu shot provider by logging in to MyBlueKC.com<\/a> then selecting \u201cFind Care\u201d from the menu.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Protect each other. Make an appointment to get your flu shot today.<\/p>\n\n\n Many drugstores, hospitals, and doctor\u2019s offices now offer the vaccine. Blue KC members can find an in-network flu shot provider by logging in to MyBlueKC.com<\/a> then selecting \u201cFind Care\u201d from the menu.<\/p>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\r\n\t\t\tThe Flu: Know Your Enemy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Flu: Myths vs. Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Power of the Flu Vaccine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5 BIG Reason to get your yearly Flu Shot:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhere to Get the Flu Vaccine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ready to Get Your Flu Shot?<\/h3> <\/div>\n
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