Debunking Flu Shot Myths: London Drugs Pharmacists Set the Record Straight

RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 14, 2013) - The misconceptions and rumours about flu shots are as hard to contain and as hard to fight as the virus itself. As the cold and flu season fast approaches, London Drugs pharmacists set the record straight on popular flu shot myths.

MYTH #1: Young, healthy people don't need the flu shot.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the flu shot for everyone over the age of six months since some of the most serious flu viruses can even pose a risk to young, healthy people. Plus, the virus could spread to children or the elderly, who can have a much tougher time recovering.

Many people consider the flu to just be a very bad cold. However, a cold usually only consists of cough and congestion, while the flu also includes body aches and fever. Along with these added symptoms, the flu can also carry more serious implications: the seasonal flu hospitalizes 20,000 people in Canada each year, and it kills between 2,000 and 8,000 people.

MYTH #2: The flu shot can give you the flu.

London Drugs Certified Injection Pharmacist, Pindy Janda, explains that "injectable flu vaccines do not contain any live virus so they cannot cause the flu." People often mistake side effects of the vaccine for the flu itself, or get an unrelated cold that they believe is the flu. In both these cases, the flu vaccine itself is falsely blamed.

MYTH #3: You can skip years between flu shots.

Flu viruses are constantly changing. So each year, the flu shot is updated to provide protection against the most active virus expected in the coming flu season. People must receive a flu shot every year in order to stay protected.

MYTH #4: You have to go to a doctor's office or wait in line at a provincial flu clinic to receive a vaccination.

Many people are still unaware that they can receive the flu vaccination from a Certified Injection Pharmacist. London Drugs flu clinics are held throughout Alberta and British Columbia during October and November. Patients can book an appointment to receive the vaccination by calling the London Drugs pharmacy directly.

Click here to view the Flu & Vaccination Clinic schedule. Click here to visit the store locator.

About London Drugs

Founded in 1945, B.C.-based London Drugs has 78 stores in more than 35 major markets throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba including its online store www.londondrugs.com. London Drugs offers consumers a range of products from digital cameras and cosmetics to computers and televisions. Renowned for its creative approach to retailing, the company employs more than 7,000 people with pharmacy and health care services being the heart of its business. Committed to innovation and superior customer service, London Drugs has established itself as a reputable and caring company and continues to position itself for future growth and development.

London Drugs pharmacists are available to speak to the media about flu myths, treatment and prevention. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Angela Joyce or Cynnamon Schreinert via the contact information listed below.