NORTH CAROLINA -- Flu season is here, and you may have noticed your job or local clinics offering the flu shot.
Many people avoid it, fearing it may bring on the flu.
Though many are skeptical, experts say there's no way you can get sick from the flu shot.
"One of the biggest myths that I hear is that 'I get the flu from the flu shot' or 'The flu shot makes me sick.' Actually it's the time of year the flu shot is given," said M.D. Christopher Ohl, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center infectious disease expert.
Experts say there's a few ways you can avoid getting the flu:
- Try not to touch your hands to your face as your hands can house lots of bacteria throughout the day
- Make sure you're wiping down surfaces at your house or at work
- Make sure you're washing your hands through out the day
"Unfortuntanly influenza is a sneaky little virus and it changes a little bit every year. And that's why we have to get a new flu shot every year is because the flu shot is directed against the strains that will circulate this year," said Ohl.
If you're worried about preservatives, doctors say they now have a vaccine without them.
"Occasionally people can be allergic to the preservative component in the vaccine so we now have a vaccine that doesn't have preservatives in them," said Ohl.
While there's still mixed opinions about the shot, experts recommend playing it safe.
For flu shot prices, check your insurance policy. Many plans cover it.