The Flu: Debunking the Myths

The train carriages full of people sneezing and blowing their noses are a sure sign that flu season has arrived. In the UK, the true season runs from December through March. However, as 2025 has shown, cases started climbing early this year, with a weekly mean positivity rate of 5% and an early surge especially among young adults and schoolchildren. London now uses innovative underground transport data to track outbreaks—demonstrating British ingenuity in public health.​

Flu is highly infectious, and symptoms can develop quickly. While colds and sniffles are common, flu can be serious and even fatal. Last year’s epidemic sadly claimed 15,000 lives in the UK, almost double the previous year’s toll. Despite mass NHS efforts, only 73% of over-65s and 48% of at-risk under-65s get their annual jab. The NHS vaccinated 4.3 million people by the start of October 2025—a record-shattering effort, up 28% from last autumn. Even so, many still hold onto myths that make them hesitate, so let’s dispel the most common flu misunderstandings:​

Myth: I need antibiotics to cure the flu

Truth: The flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics won't help. If you have symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, chills and muscle aches, the best advice is to rest at home, stay hydrated and only visit your GP if symptoms worsen or fail to improve. Visiting the surgery unnecessarily risks spreading the flu to others.

Myth: The flu vaccine gave me the flu

Truth: The vaccine contains an inactivated virus and cannot cause infection. Some people experience a sore arm, mild fever or muscle aches for a day or two, but if you develop full-blown flu symptoms after your vaccine, you likely contracted the virus shortly before or just after getting jabbed—remember, it takes 1-2 weeks for the vaccine to work.

Myth: The flu vaccine doesn’t work

Truth: The flu virus changes every year, making vaccine matching tricky, but evidence shows a matched vaccine can reduce flu-related GP visits by up to 60%, lower hospitalisations and cut ICU admissions and deaths. This year’s vaccine covers more strains and an optional booster—while not perfect, it remains our best line of defence.​

Myth: I never get the flu, so I don’t need the jab

Truth: Prevention is better than cure. The flu vaccine helps protect you, but also those most vulnerable around you—elderly relatives, infants, and people with long-term health conditions. Even if you don’t get ill, you could spread flu to others before you know you’re carrying the virus.

Myth: I am pregnant, so vaccination may harm my baby

Truth: In fact, the flu vaccine offers dual protection. Pregnant women are more likely to suffer serious complications from flu, which can affect their babies’ health. Getting vaccinated protects both mother and baby—including through the first few weeks of life.

When your NHS GP calls you in for your seasonal vaccine, take the opportunity to protect yourself, your family and your community. This year’s efforts have already set records, but your participation helps turn the tide on flu, keeping Britain resilient and healthy through the winter months.