SAN DIEGO, California – With flu cases on the rise in San Diego County, public health officials are encouraging the public to get vaccinated as they seek to dispel some common myths about the flu vaccine.
Last week, 116 new flu cases were recorded, up from 77 the week before. In total, 1,209 cases have been reported in the county, compared to 733 this time last year.
“We are going to have a very active flu season. With holiday gatherings approaching, it is especially important to be vigilant by covering your cough, washing your hands and getting the flu vaccine,” said Acting Health Officer Dr. Ankita Kadakia. county public. “In addition, whenever possible, it is important to refrain from going to any gatherings when you know you are sick.”
With growing vaccine skepticism linked to misinformation, the county also wanted to put to rest three common myths:
- “The flu isn’t that bad. I don’t need the vaccine.” While many people recover quickly, last flu season nearly 20,000 people got the flu, 1,500 were hospitalized and 60 people died, including two babies, health officials said;
- “The flu shot will give me the flu.” The hypodermic flu vaccine contains dead or inert flu virus, and cannot make you sick with the flu, according to health authorities. The nasal spray contains weakened viruses. According to the county, some side effects such as arm pain, headache, muscle aches or a runny nose are possible, but significantly less serious than contracting the disease; and
- “I got vaccinated and still got the flu, so it doesn’t work.” Influenza is a rapidly changing virus, and some San Diegans could contract a strain that is not present in this year’s vaccine, according to the county. Even so, the disease is usually much less severe than among the unvaccinated.
Flu Season Frenzy in San Diego: Vaccination Myths Unraveled
Ah, San Diego! Known for its beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, and… a dramatic uptick in flu cases. Yes, folks, flu season is here, and it’s knocking on our doors harder than that relative who thinks they’re invited to Thanksgiving because they’ve heard the turkey is organic this year.
Last week, the county reported a cozy little rise in flu cases from 77 to 116. That’s like going to your local café and asking for a small latte and getting an unexpected double shot instead—Suddenly, you’re jittery and desperate for hand sanitizer.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, our Acting Health Officer and the person we all should be listening to, has made it clear: “We’re going to have a very active flu season!” Although she doesn’t offer us a crystal ball, she does remind us that with holiday gatherings on the horizon, it’s time to don our virtual health capes. So, cover that cough, wash your hands, and get vaccinated—unless you fancy being the main event in this year’s flu saga.
Myth-Busting Bonanza!
With flu shot skepticism spreading faster than gossip at a family reunion, the county is on a mission to bust some common myths. Buckle up, folks—it’s about to get factual!
- Myth #1: “The flu isn’t that bad. I don’t need the vaccine.” Sure, it might be a ‘minor inconvenience’ for some, but let’s not forget that last flu season nearly 20,000 people caught it, 1,500 ended up in the hospital, and tragically, 60 people—including two babies—lost their lives. That’s not just some sniffles; that’s serious business.
- Myth #2: “The flu shot will give me the flu.” Oh, darling, no! The only thing you’ll catch from the flu shot is a possible sore arm. The vaccine contains dead or inert virus, so it’s about as likely to give you the flu as a cute kitten is to suddenly turn into a lion—adorably improbable, if you ask me! Sure, you might experience a runny nose or muscle aches, but they’re like being asked to do the Macarena at a wedding—discomfort for a very short time.
- Myth #3: “I got vaccinated and still got the flu, so it doesn’t work.” Well, hold onto your hats! Influenza is like that unpredictable guest at parties: it changes its outfit every season. Some folks might catch a strain that’s not included in this year’s vaccine line-up. But here’s the kicker: if you do get it, the illness is usually less severe compared to those who decided to forgo the vaccine. It’s like the difference between battling a house cat versus a full-grown tiger. Guess which one you prefer?
So there you have it! With the flu season upon us, let’s not play around with our health. Get your vaccine, wash your hands, and for heaven’s sake, if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home! After all, no one wants the flu crashing their holiday gathering like an unwanted ex at a wedding.
Can children and pregnant women safely receive the flu vaccine?
**Title: Flu Season Frenzy in San Diego: Myth-Busting with Dr. Kadakia**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the Acting Health Officer for San Diego County. With flu cases rising in our region, Dr. Kadakia is here to address some common misconceptions about the flu vaccine. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kadakia!
**Dr. Kadakia:** Thank you for having me! It’s vital we talk about the flu as we’re entering a particularly active season.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. We’ve seen new cases jump from 77 to 116 in just a week. Can you tell us why it’s crucial for people to get vaccinated now?
**Dr. Kadakia:** Definitely. We’re witnessing an uptick in flu cases, and with the holiday season approaching, people will be gathering more. Vaccination is our best defense against the flu, which can lead to severe health complications. Last year, thousands were hospitalized and even lost their lives. It’s not just about individual health—it’s about community safety.
**Interviewer:** That brings us to some myths circulating about the flu vaccine. Let’s tackle the first one: “The flu isn’t that bad; I don’t need the vaccine.” How do you respond to that?
**Dr. Kadakia:** This myth is quite dangerous. While many people do recover, last season alone, nearly 20,000 people were hospitalized due to the flu, and tragically, 60 died, including two infants. The flu can be very serious, especially for vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly. Getting vaccinated helps protect everyone.
**Interviewer:** What about the myth that “the flu shot will give me the flu”? Many people fear that the vaccine itself could make them sick.
**Dr. Kadakia:** That’s a common concern, but it’s not grounded in fact. The flu shot contains inactivated viruses, which means they cannot cause illness. The nasal spray does contain weakened viruses, but those are also not strong enough to cause flu symptoms. Side effects might include some soreness or mild discomfort, but these are much less serious than actually contracting the flu.
**Interviewer:** And lastly, can you address the belief that “I got vaccinated and still got the flu, so it doesn’t work”?
**Dr. Kadakia:** It’s important to understand that the influenza virus changes rapidly. It’s possible to be exposed to a strain not covered in this year’s vaccine. However, being vaccinated typically results in milder symptoms and a lower risk of severe complications, even if you do get sick. The key takeaway is that vaccination significantly reduces risks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Kadakia, for clarifying these myths. Any final thoughts for our viewers?
**Dr. Kadakia:** Yes, as we head into the holidays, I encourage everyone to get their flu vaccine, practice good hygiene, and stay home if you’re feeling unwell. Let’s work together to keep our community healthy!
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your insights today, Dr. Kadakia. Let’s all do our part this flu season!
**Dr. Kadakia:** Thank you for having me, and stay healthy!
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This interview aims to inform and alleviate concerns about the flu vaccine while encouraging proactive health measures as flu season intensifies.
