The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine to all healthy adults and children except for a few cases. There are two forms of administration of the vaccine. The first is an inactivated flu virus given via injection and the second is an inhaled nasal mist with a small dose of the live virus. In some cases, individuals may not be fit for receiving the vaccine. Before receiving the vaccine people should review the warnings.
Allergy
The Mayo Clinic warns that individuals who have ever had a reaction to a flu vaccine or who are allergic to chicken eggs should not receive most forms of the vaccine. The CDC points out that most forms of the vaccine contain chicken egg products or egg proteins. Some medical facilities may offer alternative forms of the vaccine.
Recipients of the vaccine may experience a serious allergic reaction with symptoms consisting of swelling, hives, chest pain or trouble breathing. The reaction can occur within minutes or hours of the injection or inhalation of the flu mist. Medical treatment is important as it can be a life-threatening situation.
Guillain-Barre Syndome
The CDC warns individuals who have ever been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndome (GBS) to discuss it with their doctor before receiving the vaccine. GBS is a severe illness that may cause moderate to severe paralysis. The vaccine may still be safe, but a doctor should discuss the risks with you. The vaccine has been known to elevate the risk of GBS in very few cases but it is still a cause for concern.
Existing Fever
Individuals should not receive the vaccine if they have a fever. The Mayo Clinic warns patients to avoid the vaccine until the fever has subsided. The vaccine introduces the flu virus to the body's immune system to help it develop antibodies, which will fight future exposure to the illness. Introducing the virus when another illness is present may tax the immune system and lengthen recovery time.
Injection Side Effects
It is common for patients to experience mild soreness, redness or swelling at the site of injection. After the vaccine individuals may notice hoarseness, eye redness and irritation, cough, fever or body aches. According to the CDC these problems can begin soon after the shot and may last one to two days.
Flu Mist Side Effects
Drugs.com warns individuals who have recently received the nasal flu vaccine to avoid individuals with compromised immune systems or illness because the live virus in the vaccine can be transmitted to such individuals. Patients who are under 18 years of age and have recently taken aspirin or similar medications should not take the flu mist vaccine. Any other causes of weakened immune system, like bone marrow transplant, are reasons to avoid the vaccine.
Other side effects of this type of vaccine include mild flu-like symptoms including low fever, chills, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache or irritability. Drugs.com suggests some individuals may notice muscle pain or severe weakness in the arms or legs up to two to four weeks after the vaccine is administered. This should be reported to a doctor as it is a serious concern.
