The flu shot is a vaccine given to help prevent infection with the influenza virus. Influenza is spread easily through person-to-person contact. The influenza vaccine is recommended at the beginning of or during flu season, which runs from September through the winter months. Children over 6 months of age, pregnant women, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised are strongly recommended to receive the influenza shot yearly. However, there are some side effects of getting a flu shot.
Injection Site Complications
A common side effect of the flu vaccine is injection site complications. You may experience redness, soreness, or swelling where the shot was given. You may feel a small, hard lump at the affected area. In some cases, mild bruising can occur. These side effects should diminish within several days of vaccination. A cold compress may help relieve injection site swelling. If your baby has been vaccinated, be sure to avoid placing additional pressure on the affected area while holding and changing your child.
Fever, Chills and Muscle Discomfort
You may experience fever, chills and muscle aches following vaccination with the influenza vaccine. Less than 1 percent of vaccine recipients develop these symptoms, generally for one to two days following the vaccination, reports Vaccineinformaton.org. Ask your physician if you can use an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and muscle discomfort. If these side effects do not subside, contact your healthcare provider.
Hoarseness, Itchy Eyes and Cough
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hoarseness, sore, red or itchy eyes and cough may occur following vaccination for influenza. These side effects may occur right after vaccination and can last for a couple of days. Throat lozenges or sprays may help alleviate hoarseness and diminish the cough. The use of a saline eye wash or saline eye drops may be helpful for relieving sore, red, itchy eyes.
Allergic Reaction
The influenza vaccine is created in a lab using chicken eggs to harvest antibodies. If you are allergic to chicken eggs or have had a serious reaction to the flu shot in the past, you should not receive this vaccination. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include a rash or hives that may or may not itch, difficulty breathing, dizziness and swelling of the tongue or throat. If you think you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine, seek emergency medical attention.
