Getting the flu vaccine can help people shun the potentially deadly flu virus but many people resist flu shots due to some long-held myths, Dr. Dennis Cunningham, of Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Children's Hospital, said.

In a hospital news release, infectious diseases expert Dr. Cunningham said that some people put themselves and others at risk of getting flu by deciding not to receive the vaccine.

He stressed that one of the most common myths is that one can catch flu from flu vaccine, which is completely false. He added that mild symptoms like feeling a bit achy after receiving the vaccine showed that it was working.

He also refuted the common belief that one should not receive the vaccine until it is cold outside because getting the vaccine too soon will fade it by the time winter comes.

Refuting the myth, the doctor said, "The truth is, vaccinating people even in August will protect them throughout the entire flu season."

Dr. Cunningham also stressed that it was very important that all children get a flu vaccination as they are the largest carriers of the infectious disease as they around so many people. Giving children the vaccine can help protect a broad range of people, including classmates, friends, teachers, siblings, parents and grandparents.