To protect themselves from the common flu or the influenza virus, people get the flu shot. Getting a flu shot reduces the chances of a person getting the flu by almost sixty percent. The vaccine comes in the form of a nasal spray or shot. In most cases, the side effects of flu jab are quite mild. However, some people might get intense and severe side effects from taking the flu vaccine.
In any case, it is important to know what exactly to expect after getting the flu jab. Having a detailed idea about the side effects will help you prepare for anything that might come your way after getting the shot. Read on to know about the side effects that one might face after the flu shot.
Table of Contents
The commonest side effects of flu jab
These are the most common side effects that one can expect after getting the flu vaccine. They are generally mild in nature and appear the same in children, adults, and babies. One should not be much concerned after getting any of these side effects as they are not extremely dangerous.
Reaction at the site of injection
The most common side effect of a flu jab is a reaction at the site of the injection. The flu shot is generally given on the upper arm, and once the shot is given, one might have soreness, warmth, redness, and in certain cases, swelling. These effects are mild in nature and generally do not last for more than a day or two.
One can take some ibuprofen to reduce this particular kind of discomfort after taking the flu shot. In case the swelling and soreness continue and do not get better, one should seek medical help.
Fainting or dizziness
Another one of the most common side effects of flu jab is feeling dizzy or fainting after the shot. The feeling of dizziness is rather mild and should not last for more than a day. In case you feel you will be fainting before the shot, you should inform your healthcare provider beforehand.
To handle the dizziness, you can try to sit down for sometime after getting the shot. You can also have some snacks either before or after the injection to help with the dizziness.
Headache and body ache
After getting the flu shot, one might feel their head and their body muscles hurt. This is quite common after getting a flu jab and generally goes away within two days. If the pain is rather unbearable, then one might consider taking some pain reliever. Since there is some controversy regarding taking ibuprofen and other similar drugs before getting the shot, it is better not to take any.
Fever
Fever happens to be another one of the common side effects of flu jab. The fever generally goes up to 38°C or 101°F. In case the fever causes you much discomfort, you can consider taking some fever-reducing medicine.
Serious side effects of the flu jab
Besides these mild side effects, there are certain serious side effects of the flu jab as well. Though these side effects are infrequent to occur, it is better to know about them.
Fever
The normal flu jab side effect might cause a fever that goes up to 101°F. However, if you are getting a higher temperature after getting the shot, you should consult your doctor. Getting a high fever is not very normal after getting a flu jab, and you might need professional medical help.
Intense allergic reaction
In most of the cases, there are mild cases of allergy after getting the flu shot. However, in some rare cases, one might get a severe allergy after taking the shot. Such severe allergies generally occur after hours of getting the jab. Such intense allergy symptoms include trouble breathing, hives, swelling, weakness, fast heart rate, and dizziness.
If one notices even one of these symptoms in a severe fashion, one should immediately seek medical help. Delaying in touch with the doctor will only worsen the condition and might lead to other complications.
Should you get the flu shot?
The flu shot is safe to take for anyone above the age of six months. However, pregnant women, older adults over 65, and their caregivers might risk certain flu shot-related complications. However, that does not mean that they cannot take the shot.
People who should not take the flu shot include people who had severe allergies after taking the shot in the past, intensely allergic to eggs, and people who have a fever. Such people should avoid taking the flu jab as it might lead to other complications.
Consult your doctor
Before deciding whether to take the flu shot or not, one should consult their doctor. It is always better to get professional help regarding the shot before taking it. Your doctor will also know if you have certain health conditions that will cause harm if you take the jab.
The questions you should discuss with your doctor should include:
- Is it safe for you to take the flu shot?
- When shall you take the shot?
- Where is it the safest to get the flu jab?
- Are you at risk of developing serious side effects from the flu jab?
- What shall you do in case the mild side effects cause you major discomfort?
These are the main things that you need to know about the side effects of flu jab. Keeping these in mind and talking to your doctor about the same would ensure that you do not face any health hazard after getting the shot. Even if you develop certain mild side effects after taking the injection, you should not be worried too much as such symptoms are quite common and generally go away within a day or two.