Simon Drysdale
Incorrect
Misleading article claiming “flu shots spread the flu” treats opinion as fact
Claim:
Flu shots spread the flu
Unsupported
Article claiming flu vaccine causes serious illness and death is misleading and inaccurate
Claim:
Formerly healthy people are suffering serious harm or even dying from taking the flu shot
1.5Very high
Time article accurately describes distinguishing features between influenza infection and infection by other respiratory viruses
“Generally accurate. However, the main issue is that influenza viruses can also cause a “cold”, i.e. upper respiratory tract infection. A “cold” is a symptom/diagnosis whereas “influenza” is a virus that can cause symptoms such as a cold. There could be a better distinction by saying there are lots of viruses (flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus, coronavirus, etc.) that cause respiratory infections including ‘colds’ and ‘chest infections’.”