Here in Prowers County, we are now officially a good month into flu season. Prowers Medical Center’s Heath Perdue, Infection Preventionist and Tina Sandoval,  Chief Clinical Officer, have created the following quiz to test your knowledge about influenza and the flu vaccine.

Answer True or False for each question, then read the answers below.

  1. You can get the flu from the flu vaccine. T/F
  2. The “stomach flu” isn’t actually the flu. T/F
  3. Healthy people don’t need to get the flu vaccine. T/F
  4. Pregnant women should get the flu vaccine. T/F
  5. The flu is the same as a bad cold. T/F
  6. People who are feeling fine can still have and spread the flu. T/F
  7. If you got the flu vaccine last year, you’re covered for this year. T/F
  8. If you get a flu shot, you won’t get the flu. T/F
  9. You can get your COVID and flu vaccines at the same time. T/F
  10. If you don’t get a flu shot by November, it’s too late. T/F

Where to Get a Flu Shot

The flu vaccine is manufactured by just a handful of companies worldwide, and the formula is the same for all manufacturers. Where you get your flu shot doesn’t affect the quality of the vaccine you receive. In our community, you can get your flu shot at Prowers Medical Center Clinic, High Plains Community Health Center, Prowers County Public Health & Environment or your favorite local pharmacy.

Prowers Medical Center Clinic is currently offering flu shots on a walk-in basis. If you have questions, please call 719-336-6767.

  1. Flu vaccines contain no live virus. So this statement is False. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. When your immune system reacts to the vaccine, however, you might feel achy and have a low fever for a day or so.
  2. What people often call the “stomach flu” is usually not influenza. This statement is True. Other viruses are much more likely to cause vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress. Influenza is a respiratory (think lungs and breathing) virus and causes symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.
  3. False. Healthy people can still get the flu, and the flu can still be dangerous for them. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk for a serious flu infection, but anyone can get really sick from the flu. Besides, the more people in our community who are vaccinated, the lower the flu transmission rate. More vaccinated people equals less influenza in Prowers County.
  4. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot, regardless of which trimester they’re in. Why? Because pregnancy weakens the immune system, and flu shots during pregnancy protect the baby after birth as well. This statement is True.
  5. This is False. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Colds are caused by other viruses, such as rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The flu virus is more likely to cause serious health problems and lead to scary outcomes like pneumonia, hospitalization and even death.
  6. It’s True—people without symptoms can still be infected with the flu virus. According to Harvard Medical School, 20 to 30 percent of people who are carrying the flu virus are symptom-free.
  7. This statement is False. Flu vaccinations wear off fairly quickly. It’s important to get freshly vaccinated each year.
  8. This is False. It is possible to still get the flu after you get your flu shot, but you’re likely to be less sick and are well protected against hospitalization and death.
  9. According to the CDC, it’s True that you can get both vaccines at once. However, some people’s immune systems need extra time to recover in between vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccine schedule that’s best for you.
  10. False! While it is best to get vaccinated early in the flu season (because then you’re protected longer), you can still get vaccinated in the winter or early spring. You’ll be protected from there forward for the season.