More than 11,000 people are fighting the flu right now in Pennsylvania as the nation battles with the epidemic. With that, there are several common misconceptions floating around about treatment.
FOX29 went out to do some myth busting.
Myth #1: Getting a flu shot can make you sick
Dr. Mike Cirigliano of Penn Medicine says that is hardly the case.
"You might get some flu-like symptoms just because it (the shot) causes an immune reaction in the body. That's how vaccines work," he said.
Myth #2: Flu shots are foolproof
Dr. Mike says that's not so.
"Get your flu shot," he said. "It's about 60 percent effective which is 60 percent more effective than not getting the flu shot."
Myth #3: Younger, healthy people are less likely to get the flu
This is also not true. Recently a 17-year-old from Texas died from flu-related complications. Dr. Mike says those that are even younger such as toddlers are even more at risk since their immune systems are not fully developed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have more myth busting tips on their website: www.cdc.gov.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 03:04:07 GMT
Bucks County EMT Bryan Elwell is heading out to Oklahoma to help assist overwhelmed emergency responders dealing with the deadly tornado aftermath in Moore, just outside Oklahoma City. He's prepared
Two local EMTs are headed to Oklahoma to help victims and crews dealing with the aftermath of a deadly tornado.
Monday, May 13 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-13 17:53:44 GMT
Mother's Day just wasn't the same for Olga Ortiz of Newark, NJ. She said her daughter Melissa Rodriguez of Collingdale, would have spent the holiday weekend with family up there, but has not been seen
Police consider rebooting investigation of missing Delco mother as her mother marks Mother's Day without her.
Sunday, May 26 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-05-27 01:52:50 GMT
Police in Montgomery County say 16-year-old Tristan Stahley is charged with the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend, Julianne Siller, over the weekend.
Police in Montgomery County say 16-year-old Tristan Stahley is charged with the murder of his 17-year-old girlfriend, Julianne Siller, over the weekend.
Sunday, May 26 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-27 01:12:02 GMT
Today brought improvement with lots of sunshine and high temperatures in the low 70s. The winds relax for good tonight but it's still chilly with lows mainly in the 40s.
A Frost Advisory remains in effect for the Poconos through early Monday morning.
Memorial Day still looks beautiful. We start off with plenty of sun but clouds begin to increase by mid afternoon. Not as breezy with high temperatures in the mid 70s.
Sunday, May 26 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-26 20:58:32 GMT
This is a Memorial Day Weekend reunion the Wynkoops will never forget. "It's been a while. Glad I'm actually able to be here with my family," exclaimed Petty Officer Richard Wynkoop Jr. Escorted
After Vietnam veteran's son takes emergency leave to come home and be with his father on Memorial Day Weekend.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-05-26 03:48:06 GMT
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:00:47 GMT
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
