Some of us are hesitant to get the flu vaccine shot, be it a fear of needles, or a fear of something else. But, doctors insist that it can’t get you sick. However, it may have possible side effects, just like any other vaccine or medication. Your arm may feel tender after the shot, or your kid develops a cough after the nasal flu vaccine. But, according to Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, system medical director for hospital quality at Ochsner Health System in New Orleans, “ The majority of patients really don’t have any side effects.” And when they do, they usually are mild and clear up in a day or two, she adds.
Yet there are some people who feel sick after the flu shot, while others don’t. Doctors stress that we all react differently to a flu vaccine, and there are many things to consider as well. Take for example the common cold. Some get a runny nose, but continue to go on with their lives normally. Others get fever and are bed-ridden, while others develop a cough. It is the same with a flu shot, explains Dr. Claudia Vicetti, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with UnityPoint Health in Cedar Falls, Iowa. “You’re stimulating your body, and your immune system may react in different ways.”
Besides minor side effects are nothing to worry about, as compared to how dangerous the flu can actually be. According to the CDC, last year saw about 62,000 people die due to complications from October 2019 until April 2020. That’s why the CDC emphasizes it is essential to get vaccinated every year. The flu is not a single virus…different strains may come about. And note that the vaccine won’t cover all the strains a person may encounter. This year, the vaccine has been targeting the following strains:
A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019(H1N1)pdm09-like virus
B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage) – like virus
A/HongKong/2671/2019(H3N2) – like virus
Well getting over the technical aspects of the flu, a flu shot may not be 100% effective, but it still is the best way to protect yourself, and lowers the chances of you landing in a hospital bed with a severe case. Particularly with the current coronavirus pandemic around. So do get vaccinated, and don’t fret about the side effects. So what are the possible side effects? We have identified some of them here:
Soreness in the arm. After receiving the shot, your arm may feel sore or tender at the point of the shot, but that just means the immune system is responding to the vaccine and creating antibodies, explains Dr. Kemmerly. Besides, it doesn’t last long. And as Dr. Vicetti adds, “ and not everybody gets that side effect.”
Redness or pain at the injection site. Similar to the soreness side effect, it means the vaccine is doing its job. Dr. Kemmerly also says that it is normal for the body to react to a foreign object like a needle, but it is nothing to worry about.
Dizziness or fainting. Really has nothing to do with the vaccine, it is usually the act of the injection which causes this in some people (particularly those with a fear of needles). If you worry this may happen to you, make sure there is someone who can catch you if you do faint.
Headaches or fatigue. Another normal side effect according to the CDC, nothing to worry about.
Low fever. In some people, it is possible to experience low fever as a result of the shot. If the fever is high, it may be due to something else, probably another virus. Also, in some cases,according to Dr. Kemmerly, some people delayed getting the vaccine, without realizing they were already incubating the virus. So after getting the shot, they felt sick – they got the flu, with nothing to do with the shot.
Sore throat. It is unlikely a flu shot will give you this side effect, but a nasal spray may, according to the CDC. However it will be mild and short-lived, if ever it happens.
Sneezing or coughing. Particularly with the nasal flu vaccine. Dr. Kemmerly points out, “ there can be some coughing and sneezing, but for most part people feel pretty good.”
Allergies. Some of us may experience allergic reactions to the flu vaccine or its components, like antibiotics, gelatin, or other ingredients. Severe signs of allergic reactions, according to the CDC, could include high fever, difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling around the eyes and lips, wheezing, and a fast heartbeat. If these happen to you, seek medical attention immediately, just to be sure it does not get worse. The good news is that according to Dr. Kemmerly, “ I’ve been practicing for 30 years. I’ve never seen an anaphylactic reaction to the flu shot.” Life-threatening reactions to the flu shot are extremely rare, but always consult your doctor to be sure.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). This would be the most serious side effect. Some people may get GBS, which is a neurologic condition that attack’s your body’s nerve cells, which can cause muscle weakness, or in severe cases, paralysis. These people should not get a flu shot. But, it is an extremely rare condition, according to the CDC, for every 1 million flu shots given, only one or two will develop GBS.
While most side effects are trivial, or even psychosomatic, there are simple remedies for some side effects, should you need it. For headaches or muscle pains, ibuprofen may be all you need. Or, a cool compress after the flu shot on your arm. It surely won’t be a major inconvenience if you experience minor side effects to the flu vaccine. So don’t worry, be healthy. Remember to always consult with your doctor.
Recommended For You
