As several people start off touring and accumulating like they did pre-pandemic, researchers are seeing what they feel could possibly be an especially tough flu season in the US. The great information is we have quite risk-free and helpful equipment for fighting and stopping the flu, triggered by the likely lethal influenza virus, which includes the flu vaccine.
According to the CDC, flu photographs are harmless and 1 of the very best techniques to keep from having and spreading the flu to many others. And persons who get vaccinated and get unwell in any case typically expertise fewer severe indicators. If you might be thinking of having vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC states it is safe and sound to get both of those vaccines jointly (this consists of the new COVID-19 boosters).
The basic simple fact is, flu vaccines can help save life. There are a great deal of myths out there about the flu vaccine, these as the concept that it can give you the flu. When that is not accurate, you can encounter some facet results from the flu shot. The facet consequences are usually delicate and very little to worry about, but it can be vital to know about them so you are not concerned when you get your vaccine.
Under, Dr. Carmen Teague, specialty professional medical director at Atrium Wellbeing‘s Mecklenburg Medical Team shares what you require to know about frequent flu shot side effects that are typical, and which aspect outcomes may be a indicator of one thing additional severe.
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Popular flu shot facet effects
Repeat: The flu vaccine will not likely give you the flu, but you can working experience mild indications because of how the vaccine functions.
“The flu vaccine is made to stimulate your immune technique to make antibodies to the virus. That stimulation can bring about a very low-grade fever, a reduce in appetite, loose stool, gentle tiredness or myalgia (muscle ache) and even a scant cough,” Teague states.
According to Teague, these signs ordinarily solve just after a number of days and are no induce for alarm. You may well also expertise some redness, swelling or soreness wherever the shot was injected, which is also normal.
The CDC states you can working experience “flulike” signs and symptoms immediately after finding the vaccine, these kinds of as:
- Soreness, redness, and/or inflammation at the injection web page
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
The indicators listed earlier mentioned really should solve in a several days. Also, continue to keep in head not every person has symptoms, but those are the most typical. When it comes to other indications, or indications that previous for a longer period, it truly is vital to maintain in mind that you can nonetheless capture a cold, or other virus, correct just after you get the flu shot.
So if you experience other signs or symptoms that seem to be like the flu, it could be a further disease and it would not necessarily mean the shot built you sick. The flu shot also requires about two months to become productive at preserving you from the flu, so you could technically capture the flu in that two-7 days window.
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Signs of a more serious (but rare) reaction
“A very small percentage of people can have a true allergic reaction to the vaccine, including chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, facial or throat swelling and redness of the eyes,” Teague says. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Teague says severe allergic reactions usually happen within a few hours of getting the flu shot.
Signs of a severe allergic reaction, according to the CDC, can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness or wheezing
- Swelling around the eyes or lips
- Hives
- Paleness
- Weakness
- A fast heartbeat or dizziness
Another possible reaction is an infection where the shot was administered. “Patients can also develop an infection at the injection site, which is manifested as worsening redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness,” Teague says. You should also seek immediate medical attention for this type of reaction. (If you’re not sure if it’s the common, harmless redness-and-swelling side effect or an infection, check with a doctor.)
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.