01/06/2026
❄️ FLU: FACT vs FICTION ❄️
Winter is here, and influenza (flu) season is upon us. At Stonehill Medical Centre, we're helping you separate myths from facts so you can protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.
🦠 FICTION: "The flu is just a bad cold."
✅ FACT: Influenza is far more serious than the common cold and can cause high fever, body aches, chest symptoms, severe fatigue, pneumonia, and other complications.
🤧 FICTION: "Antibiotics cure the flu."
✅ FACT: Influenza is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not treat the flu unless there is a secondary bacterial infection.
💉 FICTION: "The flu vaccine gives you flu."
✅ FACT: The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Mild side effects such as arm soreness or fatigue may occur as your immune system responds.
🏠 FICTION: "If I don't have a fever, I'm not contagious."
✅ FACT: You can spread influenza before symptoms appear and while symptoms are still mild.
😷 FICTION: "Healthy people don't need to worry about flu."
✅ FACT: Even healthy adults can become seriously ill and may unknowingly pass the virus on to vulnerable family members.
🫖 FICTION: "Vitamin C alone prevents the flu."
✅ FACT: The best protection includes good sleep, proper nutrition, hydration, hand hygiene, annual vaccination, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
✨ Protect yourself this winter:
* Wash your hands regularly
* Stay home when you're unwell
* Keep hydrated
* Consider your annual flu vaccination
* Seek medical attention if symptoms become severe
Stay healthy this winter with Stonehill Medical Centre.
