10 Side Effects of Flu Shot You Need to Know

Flu is a very common disease that affects us seasonally. Children, adults above the age of 65, pregnant women are more prone to the effects of the flu. A flu shot is very essential to protect oneself from the flu virus. The type of flu virus is constantly changing so the flu shots are constantly updated to treat the new threats. Vaccines against the flu come in various types. Some can fight against just one type of flu virus others are equipped to fight with more than one. The trivalent vaccine is enabled to fight against three types of flu viruses. The high dose flu shot comes in the trivalent variety only. The effectiveness of the flu virus varies depending on the person and the area to which the person belongs.

Here are Some Dangerous Side Effects of Flu Shot

The flu shots that are given do come with certain side effects. But one does not need to panic, as the side effects do not cause any serious damage to your health. The side effects are minor ones and they have been discussed below.

1. Swelling

A reaction at the injection site is the most common side effect of the shot. Generally the injection is given on the upper arm. What follows after the shot is a certain amount of redness, itching, soreness. Sometimes a slight swelling is also noticed. The effects do not last for a long period of time and wear away in two to three days. Some people hardly get a reaction in the area of injection. If you are prone to an allergic reaction you can take some ibuprofen before getting your shot.

2. Muscle Pain

In a few cases you can feel a certain amount of muscle pain after the injection. This is a very common symptom. Sometimes it is coupled with headaches as well. If you are too affected by these aches and pains you can always take some pain relievers to ease yourself. These pains go away within a day. You can always rely on a good sleep to ease your body aches.

3. Dizziness

Some people are affected with a certain amount of dizziness or a fainting feeling. In some people this affect does not last for more than an hour in other case it lasts for a day or two though that is very rare. If you get this side effect make sure that you sit for a while after taking the shot and also you must take someone along with you when you are going to take a shot. You must also inform the health care provider that you tend to get dizzy or have a fainting feeling after a shot.

4. Fever

A slight fever is also quite common after a flu shot. It will not be a severe one so you do not have to panic. It may vary between 100°F to 101°F. It will go away in a day or two. If you are bothered by the fever you can take some medication or consult your doctor.

5. Allergy

People who are allergic to eggs are affected by this vaccine as the viruses used in the preparation of this vaccine are grown in chicken eggs. If you are allergic to eggs you must mention this to the health care provider as nowadays an egg free version of this vaccine is now made available for those who are allergic to eggs. In case you are still worried you can take the advice o f your doctor before you go for your vaccination.

[ Read: What Are The Side Effects of Steroids ]

6. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

There is only one severe side effect to flu shots that is the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). This was seen in 1976 when the vaccinations for swine flu were given. This syndrome causes nerve damage, weakness and fever. This is not a common syndrome and one in a million vaccinated individuals may come up with this syndrome. It is thus a very rare one.

How Long do the Side Effects of Flu Shot Last?

The side effects of the flu shot are mostly very mild unless you have Guillain-Barré syndrome or are allergic to eggs. In case of the mild side effects like flu, hives, muscle pain, they do not stay for more than a day or two. They go away very fast. If you are allergic to eggs or have the Guillain-Barré syndrome then its best to take precaution before taking a shot. Consult your doctor before you take a vaccine shot.

These are some of the common side effects that come with flu vaccination. One just needs to be careful and cautious about the side effect you get. You must not forget to take your shots regularly.

You Might Also Like:

• Are There Side Effects of Botox
• Unknown Side Effects of Testosterone Injections
• What Are The Side Effects Of Chemotherapy
• Surprising Side Effects of Surgical Abortion

Image:- 1