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Survey results show too many parents believe myths about the flu shot

Shocking new results from a national survey show an alarming number of parents with young kids are still skeptical about the flu shot.

Doctors now warn the misconceptions could lead to hospitalizations or even death.

The first flu-related death in Florida was reported by Action News Jax on Saturday. The child had not received the flu shot.

Experts say this should be a warning to parents to not skip the flu vaccine.

STORY: CDC reminds everyone who can, to get a flu shot this year

To dispel the popular myths surrounding the flu shot, Action News Jax spoke to the president of the Duval Medical Society Foundation and immunologist, Dr. Sunil Joshi.

Despite scientific data, Joshi says he still finds himself working to eradicate big misconceptions.

“If you don’t get the flu vaccine, you’re at a significantly higher risk of developing a serious enough infection that you get hospitalized after getting the flu,” Joshi said.

In some cases, it could lead to death.

Last month, Orlando Health surveyed 704 parents with children younger than 18; it showed a third believe the shot does not work, more than half believe their children can get the flu from the flu shot, and 28 percent think they could get autism.

All are not true and experts say the rumors are putting kids at risk.

Local mom Lizette Martinez admits she has her reservations about the flu shot.

“Every time I take it for some reason I get worse, I get sick worse,” Martinez said. “I want everything natural for my kid, 100 percent.”

Joshi said there’s a reason for that.

“You may certainly feel sore or maybe get a low-grade fever after you get it but that’s because your immune system is working to develop antibodies against the flu,” Joshi said.

STORY: Florida Blue offering free flu shots in October

According to Orlando Health, it takes your body two weeks to develop the antibodies needed to fight the flu after getting vaccinated.

If you come in contact with the virus during the time you could still get the flu which is why it’s recommended that you get the flu shot as early as possible.

Joshi said the flu shot is the best tool available to fight the virus, which is why he gets the shot every year, along with his family and office staff.

“I feel like it is part of our responsibility to dispel some of those rumors,” Joshi said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that anyone 6 months or older get the flu vaccine.