The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all Americans get the yearly influenza vaccine unless they have a condition that contraindicates it. There are two routes of administration: by injection into the muscle and by nasal spray. Some mild side effects are common, but serious side effects are rare.
Vaccine Differences
The patient's age may dictate which vaccine is best, as each manufacturer's product has indications for age. The nasal spray contains live, weakened virus, making it inappropriate for individuals with certain immune conditions, while the injected vaccine contains dead virus. Both vaccines are protective against influenza.
Injection Adverse Reactions
Side effects of the flu shot are uncommon and include muscle pain and fever, explains the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide." Rare side effects include headache and chills. Potential problems at the injection site include redness, soreness and hardening of the skin. Allergic reactions are rare and include redness, swelling and itching that quickly develops at the site and difficulty breathing. Guillain Barre syndrome is another rare adverse effect. It is a serious condition characterized by muscle pain, weakness and incoordination. Guillain-Barre symptoms may worsen into paralysis, fainting or difficulty breathing.
Nasal Spray Adverse Reactions
Common side effects of the nasal spray influenza vaccine include cough, runny nose and headache. Uncommon side effects in adults are sore throat and tiredness, while uncommon side effects in children include fever, chills, wheezing, body aches, irritability and vomiting.
Treatment
Most adverse reactions will correct themselves without treatment. Acetaminophen can ease reactions of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, body aches, muscle pain and tenderness at the injection site. A warm, wet cloth may also ease tenderness at the injection site, explains the "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide." Rest and activity restriction may help with tiredness and irritability. An allergic reaction may require emergency treatment to avoid severe breathing difficulties or shock. Guillain-Barre syndrome may require hospitalization, relates MedlinePlus, a website maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
Risk Reduction
To reduce the risk of an adverse reaction, tell the nurse or physician about any allergic reaction you have had in the past to medicine or food, especially eggs. Also report any previous serious reaction to the flu vaccine. Avoid getting the vaccine if you are more than mildly ill or suffering from fever. Remain at the physician's office for 15 minutes after getting the injection if you have ever fainted due to getting a shot.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
- MedlinePlus: Influenza Vaccine
- Discovery Health: Should I Get a Flu Shot?: What Are the Possible Side Effects?
- MedlinePlus: Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- "2010 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide"; Amy M. Karch, R.N., M.S.; 2010
