Every year, as the days get shorter and family gatherings ramp up, flu season sneaks back into our lives. And every year, the same myths about influenza keep spreading right alongside the virus itself. These misunderstandings can leave families unprepared and sometimes at greater risk than they realize.
“Influenza is a pretty severe illness,” says Dr. Tamara Sheffield, Medical Director of Immunization Programs at Intermountain Health. People can be in bed and down for three to seven days. And for some – especially the very young, very old, or those with chronic conditions – it can mean hospitalization or even death."
So, let's clear up the most persistent flu myths and get to the truth about what really happens each flu season.
Myth #1: “The flu is just a bad cold”
You've probably heard someone dismiss their illness as "just the flu" or claim they have the "stomach flu." But influenza is far more serious than a common cold. It strikes suddenly, often with fever, cough, chills, and exhaustion that can stop you in your tracks.
The numbers tell the story. "Last season was one of the worst in decades," Dr. Sheffield notes. "We had about 56 million people ill in the U.S., with 770,000 hospitalized. The numbers were extraordinary."
Myth #2: “Only kids and older adults need to worry”
It’s true that children under five and adults over 65 face higher risks from flu. But they’re not the only ones who should be cautious. Pregnant people, those with chronic conditions, and even healthy adults can land in the hospital.
“Young, healthy people do get hospitalized with influenza,” Dr. Sheffield emphasized. “And they’re often the ones who spread it to grandparents, infants, or others who can’t fight it off.”
Flu affects pregnant people particularly hard, potentially impacting both mother and baby. People managing conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may see their symptoms worsen dramatically if they catch influenza.
The bottom line: Flu is everyone's problem, and protecting yourself helps protect the people you care about most.
Myth #3: “You’re only contagious when you feel sick”
Here's one of influenza's trickiest features: you can spread it before you even know you're infected. "You can be passing that infection on for a full day before you start having symptoms," Dr. Sheffield explains.
Picture this: you're at a holiday party, hugging relatives and sharing food, completely unaware you're contagious. This "silent spread" is exactly why flu tears through schools, workplaces, and families so quickly.
Your best defense is twofold: Get vaccinated to reduce your odds of catching and spreading the flu and stay home the moment you feel unwell. "The kindest thing you can do is stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and you're feeling better," Dr. Sheffield advises.
Myth #4: “Natural remedies can cure the flu”
We’ve all heard advice to load up on vitamin C, drink herbal teas, or sweat out a fever. While these practices might help you feel better or support your immune system, none of them can kill the flu virus.
"Home remedies can help you feel more comfortable while you're ill, but they don't attack the virus itself," Dr. Sheffield says.
Staying hydrated, resting, and eating nourishing foods give your body the best chance to recover. Over-the-counter medications can relieve symptoms like fever, headache, or congestion, but they don’t shorten the illness.
For people at high risk, antiviral medications prescribed by a doctor can help, but only if taken within the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms. That narrow window makes quick testing and treatment crucial.
Myth #5: “Flu season always looks the same”
Flu season is anything but predictable. While cases happen year-round, spikes usually begin in late fall, peak in January or February, and can last well into spring. But the exact timing changes every year.
Gatherings and travel are key drivers. “We always see peaks of spread right after holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s,” Dr. Sheffield said. Any time we crowd together indoors, the virus gets prime opportunities to spread.
Adding to the unpredictability, flu viruses constantly evolve. "By the end of the season, the viruses circulating may look completely different than they did at the start," Dr. Sheffield explains. This constant change is exactly why health officials reformulate vaccines annually.
Myth #6: “A fever is always bad”
It’s natural to want to bring down a fever quickly, especially in kids, but it’s not always necessary. "Fevers are actually one way your body helps attack the virus," Dr. Sheffield explains. That said, very high fevers should be treated for comfort and safety using acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Critical safety note for parents: Never give aspirin to a child with flu symptoms, as it can trigger Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious liver condition.
Myth #7: “The flu isn’t a big deal if you’re healthy”
This is one of the most dangerous misconceptions. Even if you’re fit and strong, the flu can still knock you out—and you could pass it to someone much more vulnerable.
"If we all get vaccinated, we don't see severe flu spreading around," Dr. Sheffield points out. "One reason we had such a harsh season last year was that fewer people were getting vaccinated."
This flu season, choose facts over fiction
At Intermountain Health, we know myths and misunderstandings about flu season can put people at risk. Our goal is to give communities the facts and the tools to stay healthy. That includes offering flu vaccines at our hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across Utah and the Mountain West.
Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you. It helps protect your loved ones, your coworkers, and your community. And if you do get sick, remember our care teams are here to help you recover and keep complications at bay.