Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Flu vaccines are commonplace in today's society. Everyone knows about them. But does one know what some of the side effects are, though? That, I cannot say for sure, many know about. So today, let us try and learn something about these side effects.

Side Effects of Flu Shots

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is among the most common infections that we fall victim to. And when one has the flu, one takes a flu shot. That being the most natural course of action to take Many might not even stop to think that this vaccine might have certain side effects, though. And it would definitely help if we knew what those were so that we could be prepared. Given below are a list of these side effects that you can read up on.

Side Effects of Inactivated Flu Vaccine

Administering an inactivated flu vaccination involves killing the flu causing viruses. Some people have the misconception that flu shots can in turn cause the flu because of the flu viruses in them. However, that is not true. The following are some of the side effects of this form of vaccine.

Different Reactions

• Fever (Ranging from mild to high) which usually passes soon
• Body aches
• Cough
• Hoarseness of voice and itchy throat
• Red eyes or a feeling of sore eyes
• Swelling, itching and pain at the spot of the vaccine shot

Risky Effects

• There might be some life-threatening allergic reactions experienced.
• Some people might develop GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome). But the possibility is rare and is yet being researched.

Side Effects of Live Flu Vaccine

These vaccines are made from weakened flu viruses. Again, it is not possible to develop flu from a live flu vaccine, either. But there may be some side effects that can be studied in children. These are.

• Experiencing a runny nose and cough
• Suffering from fever
• Getting headaches, muscle aches and general body pain
• Having abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Occasional vomiting
• Wheezing and nose block
• General tiredness and weakness
• Certain allergic reactions
• Emergence of rashes

Side Effects of Swine Flu Vaccines

Swine flu, which is caused by the H1N1 virus led to several deaths in the year 2009-10. Since then, swine flu vaccines have been developed to fight this. There are however side effects of the same. Let us study these in the following section.

Side Effects of Inactivated Flu Vaccine

• Fainting spells
• Mild or high temperatures
• Nausea and dizziness
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Tenderness, swelling and soreness in the area where the shot was given
• Allergic reactions
• Developing GSB (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) symptoms

Side Effects of Live Flu Vaccine

• Headaches
• Coughing spells
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat or strep throat, itchy throat and wheezing
• Allergic reactions
• Muscle pain and general body ache

Now that you know what some of the flu vaccine side effects are, you'll be prepared to face them. As you can see, these side effects are not very severe and are usually known to pass off in a day or two.