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, April 7 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-04-07 21:32:07 GMT
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:27:15 GMT
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
Friday, May 24 2013 2:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:49:51 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:53:29 GMT
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
