COLUMBUS, Ohio — Devon Stith is among the thousands of Ohioans who has not received their flu shot.“I haven't gotten my flu shot out of lack of preparation. I would say I just haven't set the time aside to go get it,” said Stith. He usually gets the flu shot every year and plans to get it in the near future this flu season, but he’s not in any rush. Stith, along with many others, have heard several misconceptions about the flu shot and what it can do to your body. What You Need To Know OhioHealth physician says the flu shot doesn't neccessarily stop you from getting the flu but it helps mitigate symptoms so you don't end up in the hospital According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio's current influenza activity is "very high" The CDC says the flu season's peak activity is between the months of December and February “I have heard people say that they think getting the shot will make them sicker, give them symptoms for a couple of days. I think what I've always heard is that it might get you a little sick first and then it'll help you in the long run, probably much less sick than the actual flu would,” said Stith. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the shot could leave you with minor side effects, like a headache, fever, muscle aches and fatigue. However, OhioHealth sports and family physician Dr. Ben Bring, says the main purpose of the flu shot is to keep people out of the hospital. “It won't necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but it definitely can keep you out of the hospital, which, you know, even this time of year, we see young, healthy people get hospitalized for the flu and it can be very dangerous,” said Bring. The CDC says that flu activity peaks between the months of December and February, which is why doctor Bring says the flu shot is the best preventative measure to take before it’s too late. “I would say it's kind of like getting a cheat code to the test that's coming up. So, when you do get exposed to the real virus, your body is already prepared for it. Your immune system has already studied it. It's able to identify it,” said Bring. The United Health Foundation ranks Ohio 24th in the country for getting the flu shot with 42.9% of adults who reported receiving a seasonal flu shot in the past 12 months. After learning about the real purpose of the shot, Stith’s urgency of getting the flu shot has changed. “I think it does make it more likely for me to get it sooner because it makes me think about that. The flu could put me in the hospital. And that doesn't sound too fun,” said Stith.

Doctor addresses misconceptions about the flu shot

“I think it does make it more likely for me to get it sooner because it makes me think about that. The flu could put me in the hospital. And that doesn’t sound too fun,” said Stith. “I haven’t gotten my flu shot out of lack of preparation. I would say I just haven’t set the […]

“I think it does make it more likely for me to get it sooner because it makes me think about that. The flu could put me in the hospital. And that doesn’t sound too fun,” said Stith. “I haven’t gotten my flu shot out of lack of preparation. I would say I just haven’t set the time aside to go get it,” said Stith.
The United Health Foundation ranks Ohio 24th in the country for getting the flu shot with 42.9% of adults who reported receiving a seasonal flu shot in the past 12 months. After learning about the real purpose of the shot, Stith’s urgency of getting the flu shot has changed.

What You Need To Know

OhioHealth physician says the flu shot doesn’t neccessarily stop you from getting the flu but it helps mitigate symptoms so you don’t end up in the hospital

According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio’s current influenza activity is “very high”

The CDC says the flu season’s peak activity is between the months of December and February

The CDC says that flu activity peaks between the months of December and February, which is why doctor Bring says the flu shot is the best preventative measure to take before it’s too late.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Devon Stith is among the thousands of Ohioans who has not received their flu shot.
“It won’t necessarily prevent you from getting the flu, but it definitely can keep you out of the hospital, which, you know, even this time of year, we see young, healthy people get hospitalized for the flu and it can be very dangerous,” said Bring.
“I have heard people say that they think getting the shot will make them sicker, give them symptoms for a couple of days. I think what I’ve always heard is that it might get you a little sick first and then it’ll help you in the long run, probably much less sick than the actual flu would,” said Stith.
“I would say it’s kind of like getting a cheat code to the test that’s coming up. So, when you do get exposed to the real virus, your body is already prepared for it. Your immune system has already studied it. It’s able to identify it,” said Bring.
He usually gets the flu shot every year and plans to get it in the near future this flu season, but he’s not in any rush. Stith, along with many others, have heard several misconceptions about the flu shot and what it can do to your body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the shot could leave you with minor side effects, like a headache, fever, muscle aches and fatigue. However, OhioHealth sports and family physician Dr. Ben Bring, says the main purpose of the flu shot is to keep people out of the hospital.