NORTH CAROLINA -- Flu season is almost upon us and doctors are stressing the importance of getting a flu shot.

  • The most common misconception is that you can get the flu from the flu shot
  • Experts say manufacturers make the vaccine from dead flu viruses and that it absolutely cannot cause the flu
  • Experts also say flu shot technology has improved over the last few years and labs can now manufacture it without eggs or preservatives

They’ve heard all the myths surrounding the vaccine and reassure patients all the time they're not true.

The most common misconception is that you can get the flu from the flu shot.

Experts say manufacturers make the vaccine from dead flu viruses and that it absolutely cannot cause the flu.

Getting the shot is your best chance of avoiding the illness.

"Every year they have to redesign the influenza shot, and it's based on the predominant types of flu that have circulated in our communities in the past year, so they try to do the best they can to predict what the formulation needs to be for this coming flu season," said Dr. Michael Fitch, professor of medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Health.

Experts say flu shot technology has improved over the last few years, and labs can now manufacture it without eggs or preservatives.

Doctors also warn skipping it could cause much bigger problems than flu alone.

"Severe cases of influenza could be the first domino to fall for a diabetic or someone with heart disease or somebody at risk for a stroke," said Dr. Sloan Manning, medical director at Novant Health Urgent Care and Occupational Services.

The CDC reports more than 30,000 people ended up in the hospital for the flu during the last flu season, and 180 children died.

Another misconception is that people who've never gotten the flu shot or the flu should continue to not get the shot. However, doctors say most people probably have had the flu in the past but don't understand or remember when they had it.

You can talk to your doctor about which type of flu shot is best for you, which depends on your age and medical history.

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