Autumn is a wonderful time of year — the weather begins cooling down, the leaves are changing and loved ones gather for the holidays. Unfortunately, these months also usher in the flu season. During this time, we all have a choice of whether or not to get the flu vaccine. For some, getting the flu shot is a yearly priority, but others may hesitate out of concern for possible side effects.
Keep reading to learn more about the side effects of the flu vaccine, including how to treat them, navigating the vaccine while pregnant and when you should visit the ER.
The Basics of the Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine aims to train your body's immune system to recognize the flu. It does this by using a dead form of the virus, so when it enters your body, your immune system creates antibodies to defend you. It usually takes around two weeks for your body to make the needed antibodies, and your chances of becoming infected with the flu are much lower. If you get vaccinated and later catch the flu, your symptoms should still be much milder than if you had not been vaccinated.
A flu shot does not cause you to get the flu. A common misconception about the flu vaccine is that it carries a live virus. However, most flu shots are inactivated, meaning the vaccine has no live virus. While some forms use attenuated, or weakened strains of the flu, you can rest assured the flu shot preparation process is extremely strict and designed for your safety.
Flu Shot Side Effects and How to Treat Them
Some people avoid the flu shot out of concern for side effects. Many people never experience a side effect of the flu shot; for those who do, the effects typically last between one and two days, and you should start to feel better on your own. However, you should visit your doctor if your symptoms last longer than two days. To put your mind at ease, we’ve made a list of common flu shot side effects and how to relieve them:
- Fatigue: Consider scheduling your flu shot on the weekend or a workday that allows you to rest more. It’s OK to feel tired; it means the vaccine is working. Listen to your body and rest.
- Headaches, stiffness and body aches: Apply a cool compress to the affected area to alleviate pain and take over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Low-grade fever: Take fever-reducing medications if symptoms are bothering you and let your body rest. Although it’s uncomfortable, your body needs a couple of days to adjust.
- Pain, soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site: Take over-the-counter pain relievers after your shot. You can also try applying a heating pad to the injection site to find relief.
Sometimes, people experience what is known as a delayed reaction to the flu. This reaction is when a person begins experiencing flu-like symptoms several days after vaccination because their immune system is responding to the vaccine by creating antibodies to fight the virus. While experiencing these side effects can be uncomfortable, the vaccine’s long-term protective benefits far outweigh any temporary mild symptoms.
Is It Safe to Get the Flu Shot While Pregnant?
In healthy people, even pregnant women, there are almost no risks to vaccinating against the flu. Since the flu shot contains inactive viral strains, you don’t catch the flu from it.
According to the CDC, flu infections during pregnancy are linked with higher rates of pregnancy loss and lower birth weights. If you develop the flu while pregnant, you and your baby are at a higher risk of:
- Congenital disabilities
- Flu-related pneumonia
- High fever
- Hospitalizations
- Long-term respiratory complications
- Miscarriage
- Preterm labor and birth
- Seizures
Unless your doctor recommends you not receive the flu vaccine while pregnant, it’s the best protection you and your baby have during flu season.
When to Visit the ER After Vaccination
Although it’s highly unlikely that you’ll experience severe side effects from the flu vaccine, the following rare symptoms need emergency attention:
- Anaphylaxis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
- Seizures
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, visit your nearest ER immediately for the care you deserve.
Protecting You in Body, Mind and Spirit
We know there’s a lot to consider when deciding on vaccination, but we’ve taken every precaution to keep you safe while prioritizing your health. Visit us here for more resources about the flu. If you’re heading into one of our AdventHealth Centra Care locations or the ER, let us know you’re on the way. And remember, flu testing is always available at a location near you.
