The flu shot is cultivated from 3 different influenza viruses every year. The viruses are grown inside of chicken eggs, so those who have severe allergies to chicken eggs should avoid getting the vaccine. The influenza viruses are killed before being developed in the vaccine, this way you only develop antibodies rather than develop an infection. The vaccine comes in two forms, a standard injection and a relatively new nasal spray. With the new nasal spray there are some other side effects that one would not normally get with an injection, such as cough and sore throat. Most of the side effects pass quickly. On average about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year because of the flu.

Here are some misconceptions about the flu vaccination you should be aware of:

1. The Flu Vaccine causes the Flu

The Flu vaccine does not cause the a flu virus. Tthe shot contains the dead flu virus which causes the body to develop antibodies against the flu. Sometimes there can be soreness or redness around the injection site but rarely are there other complications.

2. The Flu Shot doesn't actually work - There is well-documented evidence that the flu vaccine creates antibodies within patients who have received the shot. Also the patients who receive the shots are less likely to exhibit flu-like symptoms than the non-vaccinated.

3. The Flu vaccination side effects are worse than having the flu - The most likely side effect of the flu vaccine is redness and soreness around the injection site. However there are rare cases where a low grade fever may present itself as well as some general aches and pains. All the side effects, though, are quick to pass, unlike actually having the flu.

4. Children are required to be Vaccinated - The law does not require children to be vaccinated, however it is strongly suggested. Children under 6 months of age are not allowed to be vaccinated.

5. The Flu hits the adults the worst - The flu hit children and the elderly the hardest. Last year there were over 30,000 deaths attributed to the flu; most of the people who passed away were over the age of 65. Adults generally have the strongest immune system out of all the three groupings.

Flu season generally runs through winter, so October and November are the optimal time to receive a flu shot. If you don't receive your vaccine before flu season begins it is still not too late to get the vaccine. You can receive your vaccine from your physician or there are now numerous clinics where you can be vaccinated.