We’ve all heard of the flu, and we all know it’s not a lot of fun to catch that pesky bug. But you can reduce your chances of becoming infected with the virus. Here are ten flu facts you need to know to get you through this — and every — flu season.

1. The flu can be very serious — and sometimes deadly — even for young, healthy people.
2. Getting the flu shot helps protect you from flu germs. Think about the customers, friends, co-workers and other people you interact with every day. With all those people around you, your chances increase for being exposed to the flu bug.
3. Getting the flu shot helps protect your loved ones. Don’t spread the flu to those close to you. Maybe you think you can tough it out if you get the flu, but what about your grandparent or your child? By lowering your risk of getting the flu, you’re helping someone who can’t fight it as well as you.
4. You can’t get the flu from the flu shot. The virus in the flu shot is dead. You might feel tired, sore or a little feverish for a couple of days after getting the flu shot, but those reactions are a lot less severe than catching the flu bug.
5. If you get the shot and still get sick, one of the following probably occurred.
   • You were exposed to the flu bug before you got the shot.
   • You caught the flu within the two weeks it takes for your body to build immunity after getting the flu shot.
   • You caught a strain of the flu that wasn’t in the vaccine.
   • The flu vaccine wasn’t as effective for you as it was for others.
   • The illness you caught wasn’t the flu but another flu-like virus
6. If you do catch the flu after you get the flu shot, your symptoms may not be as severe and last as long. In fact, getting the flu shot reduces the risk of being put in the hospital because of the flu, and if you’re hospitalized by the flu, you’re 37 percent less likely to be admitted to the ICU.
7. You should get the flu shot every year. Immunity decreases with time, and different flu strains become common each season. Don’t take a chance — make sure you’re protected.
8. Don’t fear the needle. It’s very rare for someone to have a serious allergic reaction to the flu shot, but if it happens, treatment is available. Talk with your Publix Pharmacist or doctor about your risk.
9. Flu shots can protect pregnant women and their babies in two ways. First, it reduces the risk of miscarriage caused by the flu. Second, if you’re pregnant when you get the flu shot, the risk of your newborn getting the flu is reduced by almost 50 percent, and that can last for up to four months after birth.
10. The stomach flu is not really the flu. It’s a completely different virus. Influenza mostly affects your nose and throat, and it can cause fever, headaches and chills. Although some people do feel sick to their stomach, throw up or have diarrhea, they aren’t the main symptoms of the flu.

Now that you have some facts under your belt, what are you waiting for? Head to your Publix Pharmacy to get your free flu shot today! They’re available until Feb. 28, 2018, but the sooner you get it, the sooner your body will be ready when that pesky bug comes your way.

Sources: cdc.gov, npr.org

Did you know?
In 2016, Publix paid over $4 million in sick pay for associates who missed work with the flu.

Want a free $10 Publix gift card?
Stop by any in-store Publix Pharmacy before Sept. 30, 2017, for your free flu shot, and you’ll walk away with a $10 Publix gift card. Family members living in your household can get their flu shot for the reduced price of $34 per person and a $10 gift card, too.

Watch this video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about the flu vaccine and preventive actions.