The seasonal flu causes runny noses, fevers, aches, pains and fatigue for its sufferers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stresses that the best way to reduce the risk of acquiring the seasonal flu is to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Many patients and physicians opt for the flu shot. Protection lasts for the year and is accompanied by relatively few side effects. If experienced, flu shot symptoms are mild in most cases.
Injection Site Soreness
The CDC reports that patients receiving the seasonal flu vaccine may experience redness and soreness at the site of the injection. This should clear up on its own within one to two days. To alleviate this pain, a warm wet compress can be placed on the injection site for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Fever and Aches
KidsHealth.org explains the flu shot injects an inactive, or killed, version of the influenza virus into the body. This allows immune cells to recognize the virus should it come into contact with it during the flu season. Even though the virus is dead when injected, it could still spark an immune response such as a low grade fever and aches that should clear up in one to two days.
Allergic Reaction
The CDC says that allergic reactions to flu vaccine are extremely rare, but have been reported in some instances. Signs of a reaction include difficulty breathing, hives, wheezing, fast heartbeat and dizziness.
