Flu Shot: Learn the Side Effects
Any side effects you may have from the flu shot are typically mild. However, in rare cases, they can be severe. Before you get your flu shot, you may want to know what you might expect. Read on to learn about common and rare side effects of the flu shot as well as how to reduce these effects.
Reaction at the injection site
The most common side effect of the flu shot is a reaction at the injection site, which is typically on the upper arm. After the shot is administered, you may have soreness, redness, warmth, and in some cases, slight swelling. These effects usually last less than two days. To help reduce discomfort, try taking some ibuprofen before getting your shot.Headache and other aches and pains
After your shot, you might have headaches or some achiness and pain in the muscles throughout your body. This also usually happens on the first day and goes away within two days. Taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help ease your discomfort.Dizziness or fainting
Some people experience dizziness or fainting with the flu shot. These effects should not last longer than a day or two. If you tend to get dizzy or faint when getting a shot, be sure to tell the healthcare provider before they give you the flu shot. You can also try sitting for a while after you receive the shot and having a snack before or after the shot.Fever
A fever of 101°F or less is a common side effect of the shot. A slight fever is considered a mild side effect, and it should go away within a day or two. If the fever bothers you, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.Q:
Does the nasal spray flu vaccine cause different side effects than the flu shot?
A:
Like the flu shot, the flu nasal spray (also called the LAIV, or live attenuated influenza vaccine) may cause headache, slight fever, dizziness, and fainting. However, the nasal spray can also cause other side effects that the shot does not, including tiredness, loss of appetite, runny nose, and sore throat.
Please note, the nasal spray is not available every year. Check the CDC website for more information.
Healthline Medical TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
High fever
A fever greater than 101°F is not common. If you’re concerned about a high fever, call your doctor.Severe allergic reactions
Rarely, the flu vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Severe allergic reactions usually happen within a few hours of receiving the vaccine. Symptoms include:- hives
- swelling
- trouble breathing
- fast heart rate
- dizziness
- weakness
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
In very rare cases, some people who have received the flu vaccine have experienced Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a neurologic condition that causes weakness and paralysis throughout your body. However, it’s not clear if the flu vaccine is the actual cause of GBS in these cases.GBS is more likely to occur in people who’ve had GBS in the past, so be sure to tell your doctor if you have a history of this condition. That said, having GBS in the past does not always mean you can’t receive the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor to find out if the flu vaccine is safe for you.
Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of GBS after receiving the flu shot.
The shot is not recommended for people who:
- have had an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past
- have a severe allergy to eggs
- are currently sick with a fever
- Is getting a flu shot a good idea for me?
- Am I at risk of serious complications from the flu?
- Am I at high risk of side effects from the flu shot?
Q:
Can I get a flu shot if I’m allergic to eggs?
A:
Most flu vaccines are made using eggs, so they could cause a reaction in people with an egg allergy. In the past, the CDC advised many people with an egg allergy to avoid getting the flu vaccine. But now, the CDC says that most people with egg allergies can safely get the flu vaccine.
Whether you can receive the flu vaccine or not depends on how severe your egg allergy is. If you’ve only had hives as a reaction to eggs, you can get any flu vaccine that’s otherwise safe for you. If you’ve had other symptoms from eggs, such as swelling or lightheadedness, you should only get the flu vaccine from a healthcare provider who’s trained to handle an allergic response. But if you’ve ever had a severe reaction to eggs, the recommendation is that you should still not get the flu vaccine.
If you have an egg allergy, talk to your doctor. They can tell you if the flu vaccine is a safe option for you.
Healthline Medical TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
source: https://www.healthline.com/health/flu-shot-side-effects#serious-side-effects
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