What to Do After a Flu Shot
While the seasonal flu shot is formulated to reduce or eliminate the risks for contracting influenza, some people experience adverse reactions for many reasons. Fortunately, these are usually mild and temporary in nature and treatments are available for more severe cases. While adverse reactions may be uncomfortable, they are most often significantly milder than flu symptoms.
The seasonal flu vaccine can be administered in one of two ways: injection and nasal spray. Both methods have the same efficacy against the flu virus and administration is up to the patient’s discretion.
Severe allergic reactions after administration are possible, but rare. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.
Common Reactions After Injection
The most common adverse reactions after injection are redness, soreness and swelling at the injection spot. These reactions are temporary and usually last for two days. Such reactions are likely caused by the immune system’s natural reaction to foreign substances.
You may also experience muscle aches and low-grade fever lasting 1-2 days after the injection. These symptoms will most often subside naturally or with over-the-counter painkillers.
Common Reactions after Nasal Spray
Children and young adults opting for the nasal spray may experience mild reactions such as nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, chills, fatigue or weakness, sore throat, and headache.
While these reactions are similar to the flu symptoms, they are much less severe in nature and do not lead to further complications.
Flu-like Symptoms after Administration
Some people do experience mild flu-like symptoms after administration. Doctors have cited several reasons for these including:
- Other respiratory viruses, such as rhinoviruses associated with the common cold. These viruses also cause and spread illnesses during flu season. The flu vaccine only protects against the flu virus.
- Exposure to the flu virus prior to vaccination or during the two-week window after vaccination.
- Exposure to a different strain of the flu virus for which the vaccine was not designed for.
Ask your doctor about your after-vaccine symptoms so proper measures can be taken.
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