The flu vaccine is an inoculation of inactivated, dead, flu virus given to people to help boost their immunity to the potential flu viruses of the upcoming season. The flu vaccine is a yearly vaccination and must be repeated yearly to provide protection. The flu vaccine, although considered safe, can have complications.
Typical Side Effects From the Flu Shot
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, people inoculated with the flu vaccine will not get the flu because the flu vaccine is not made with live virus. However, soreness, redness and swelling at the site of the injection as well as fever and aches may result. These symptoms may begin shortly after the shot is given and may persist for 1 to 2 days.
Allergic Reactions to The Flu Shot
The flu shot can cause a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms of such an allergy begin minutes to a few hours after inoculation and include breathing difficulty, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, increased heart rate and dizziness. Those who have allergies to eggs or have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccination in the past should consult a health care provider before receiving a flu shot.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre syndrome was related to the swine flu vaccinations given in 1976. The CDC reports that since that time, further studies have shown that approximately 1 person of a million vaccinated individuals may be at risk for GBS. Symptoms of GBS include: fever, nerve damage and muscle weakness.
Misconceptions of Flu Shot Complications
During flu season there are many illnesses that produce flu type symptoms that are not, in fact, the flu, and it may be possible that an individual coincidentally was exposed to an alternative virus near the time of the flu vaccination. Every year, there are many different flu viruses that circulate through the population. Researchers choose three viruses that they believe are most threatening. If an individual is infected with a flu virus not included in the vaccine, he will not be protected.
Flu Shot Warnings
Individuals who have had Guillian-Barre Syndrome in the past, have an allergy to eggs or have had an allergic reaction to a flu shot in the past should not receive a flu shot until they have consulted with a health care provider. Also, those who are currently ill with a moderate to severe illness with fever should not receive the flu vaccination.
