The tetanus injection, commonly referred to as the DTaP vaccine, is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. This vaccination is typically given as a series of five injections over the course of a child's first four to six years of life, according to KidsHealth, a children's health information website. Older children, adolescents and adults can also receive booster tetanus injections when necessary. Patients administered this vaccine can develop flu-like symptoms after receiving a tetanus injection.
Fever
Fever symptoms are typically mild and exceed 100.4 degrees F, reports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Patients who develop fever may experience symptoms for 1 to 2 days following receipt of the tetanus injection. Additional flu symptoms associated with fever can include sweating or chills. Patients who develop a fever that exceeds 102 degrees F should seek medical care immediately.
Headache
Approximately 30 to 40 percent of adults and adolescents who receive a tetanus injection experience headache symptoms, according to the CDC. The headaches are typically mild and can arise shortly after vaccination. An over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen, can help mitigate headache symptoms in affected patients.
Fatigue or Tiredness
Tiredness is one of the most frequently reported flu-like symptom experienced by patients following treatment with the tetanus vaccine, states the Immunization Action Coalition. Affected patients may have difficulty remaining alert and focused throughout the day. These flu symptoms typically subside within 1 to 2 days following receipt of a tetanus injection.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset symptoms can arise in up to 25 percent of adolescent patients following administration of a tetanus injection, explains the CDC. These stomach-related flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of diarrhea can be accompanied by sensations of bloating or pain within the abdomen, and may contribute to a decrease in appetite.
Body Aches
Treatment with a tetanus injection can cause flu-like body aches in patients, reports the Immunization Action Coalition. Body aches can be uncomfortable and may exacerbate fatigue symptoms in affected patients. Certain patients may also develop sore joints, swollen lymph glands or skin rashes after receiving this vaccine, explains the CDC. These symptoms typically subside within a few days following the vaccination.
