Common myths about the flu debunked

Common myths about the flu can make you question decisions, treatment and symptoms when you or a loved one need care. Understanding what’s fact or fiction and knowing the best options for care, can help you and others stay well or feel better when illness strikes. Read the following flu myths and understand the facts as you navigate flu season.

“Healthy people don’t need the flu vaccine.”

False. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, regardless of overall health. While certain groups—such as young children, older adults and those with underlying conditions—are at higher risk for complications, healthy individuals can still contract and spread the virus. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and helps prevent the spread of flu within communities.

Flu vaccinations are available at IU Health Primary Care offices, Urgent Care locations, and many pharmacies. Getting vaccinated in early fall before peak flu season offers the best protection, but it’s not too late to get a flu shot if flu viruses are circulating in your community.

“The flu vaccine can cause the flu.”

No, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. The vaccine contains either an inactivated virus or a small protein designed to help the immune system recognize and fight the flu. While some individuals experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or low-grade fever, these are signs of the immune system building protection, not flu infection.

“Avoiding food helps recover from the flu.”

This is also false. The idea of “starving a fever” is a misconception. The body requires adequate nutrition to fight infections. Eating small, nutritious meals throughout the day when possible and drinking enough fluids to prevent dehydration are the best approaches when managing flu symptoms.

If you aren’t sure if you need medical attention, an IU Health On-Demand Virtual Visit provides quick access to a provider from home.

“The flu can be treated with antibiotics.”

This is false. The flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily does not help and may contribute to antibiotic resistance, reducing effectiveness when truly needed.

Treatment for the flu focuses on symptom relief. In some higher risk cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed, but they are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

“A test is necessary to determine which virus is causing symptoms.”

This is not true. While testing may be useful in certain situations, most mild respiratory illnesses do not require a confirmed diagnosis to manage symptoms effectively. The flu, cold, COVID-19 and other viral infections often present with similar symptoms, and most treatment options focus on symptom management rather than identifying the specific virus.

For severe symptoms or individuals at higher risk of complications, seeking medical guidance is recommended.

Where to go for flu care:

Mild symptoms can often be managed at home with rest and hydration, but On-Demand Virtual Visits are available to determine the right treatment path with convenient access to a provider from the comfort of home.

Moderate symptoms or uncertainty about next steps may warrant a visit to an IU Health Urgent Care location, open 7 days a week, including holidays.

Severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or a persistent high fever, require immediate medical attention. High-risk individuals should seek care promptly if symptoms worsen.