Flu Shot Reactions

The seasonal flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that contains killed virus. It comprises three seasonal influenza viruses, which are one A (H3N2) virus, one regular seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus (not the 2009 H1N1 virus), and one B virus. The virus contained in the seasonal influenza vaccine depend on the recommendations for that year. Flu vaccinations are given in two forms, one via a needle (the flu shot) and the other, the nasal-spray flu vaccine. Serious reactions to flu shot are very unlikely, but as is the case with any medicine, the possibility of it happening cannot be completely ruled out.

Flu Shot Side Effects
If you are worried about a reaction after taking the flu shot, know that adverse effects of flu shot are very unlikely. Flu vaccines are tolerated well by most people, and side effects are limited to possibly a low-grade fever for 8 to 24 hours after getting the shot. Alternately, the spot where you get the shot may become swollen, red and tender. A few people, especially kids, may experience slight chills or a headache for a day. If one suffers from any of these reactions, they can expect them to pass within a day or two.

Flu shot adverse reactions are usually expected in these two situations. First, if you suffer from an allergy to egg and experience egg allergy symptoms, the shot may not be safe for you. The reason is this; the virus is grown in an egg, which cannot be completely extracted. Thus, people who are hypersensitive to eggs should utilize other methods to fight the flu. During the swine flu vaccinations in 1976, there were cases of people developing the Guillain-Barr Syndrome, which is a severe paralytic illness, after taking the shot.

In the nasal-spray flu vaccine (also called LAIV or FluMist®), the viruses are weakened and may cause mild symptoms associated with influenza. In children this may include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches or fever. Adults may experience runny nose, headache, sore throat or cough.

Should I Get a Flu Shot?
If you want to reduce your chances of getting seasonal flu, then yes, you should get a flu shot. It is recommended if you are among people who are at high risk of having serious seasonal flu-related complications, such as if you have chronic lung or heart problems. Also if you work with/care for those at high risk of serious complications (health care providers, employees of nursing homes and chronic-care facilities), then you must get the flu shot once in a year. Alternately if you are pregnant, 50 years of age or older, have a chronic medical condition such as a chronic metabolic disease (such as diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (such as HIV), it is recommended that you get the flu shot.

Precautions
If you plan to get your flu shot, but come down with a fever just before, consult your doctor before going ahead. However, if you have a respiratory illness without fever or any other mild illness, it is said to be safe to get the shot. While life-threatening allergic reactions are very rare, if they do develop, they may start with breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. In the event of this happening, get emergency medical assistance.

If you fall into the recommended list and aren't allergic to eggs, you can safely get the vaccination done without worrying about adverse flu shot reactions. To clear up one last misconception, people believe that the flu shot can give you the flu. However, as the viruses in the shot are killed, the only way you will get it is if you are exposed to the virus from an external source, before your body becomes immune to it. It takes the body two weeks after the shot to develop resistance to the virus.