Possible Side Effects Of The Influenza Vaccine
The flu vaccine can cause side effects. In children under 5 years, these reactions may be more obvious.
Common side effects of the flu vaccine include:
- drowsiness or tiredness
- localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
- occasionally, an injection-site lump that may last many weeks but needs no treatment
- low-grade temperature .
What Else Should I Know
Some things might prevent a person from getting the flu vaccine. Talk to your doctor to see if the vaccine is still recommended if your child:
- has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccination
- has had Guillain-Barré syndrome
Egg Allergy and the Flu Vaccine
In the past, people with an egg allergy had to check with their doctor about whether the flu vaccine was OK for them because it’s grown inside eggs. But health experts now say that the amount of egg protein in the vaccine is so tiny that it’s safe even for kids with a severe egg allergy. This is especially important during a severe flu season.
Still, a child with an egg allergy should get the flu vaccine in a doctor’s office, not at a supermarket, drugstore, or other venue.
Getting a Flu Vaccine During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The flu season seemed milder during the COVID-19 pandemic, as fewer people got infected or were hospitalized with the flu. This was probably tied to public health measures that protected against coronavirus, as they also protect against the flu. These included wearing masks in public, social distancing, and less travel. Increased flu vaccination rates also might have helped. If these precautions happen less, the rate of flu infections will go back up, so it’s still important to get a flu vaccine each year. People can get a flu vaccine at the same time they get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Who Needs A Flu Shot
The flu vaccine should be given to all people 6 months of age or older, especially those who are at greater risk for flu complications. People who are at high risk for severe flu complications include:
- people who are 65 years or older
- people with chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD
- pregnant women.
The flu vaccine available at your doctors office, community clinic, pharmacy and some supermarkets is the best insurance against getting sick with the flu and passing it on to others in your family or community.
If you are COVID-19 positive, suspect you may have COVID-19, or you are recovering from a cold, you should delay getting the flu vaccine until you are no longer ill.
The 2021-22 flu vaccine includes updates to influenza A and influenza A , two of the most common strains of flu. Read the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention full update on the 2020-21 flu vaccine.
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Is It True That The Flu Vaccine Can Cause Febrile Seizures In Young Children
A is a convulsion in a child with a fever . They can occur in up to 1 in 20 children aged between 6 months and 6 years old. Febrile seizures usually last around 1 to 2 minutes with loss of consciousness, but nearly all children will recover quickly, regardless of the cause.
Influenza itself can cause fever and results in more febrile seizures than vaccination. In one study, more than 1 in 20 children hospitalised with the flu in Australia had a febrile seizure. In comparison, only 1 in 20,000 children will have a febrile seizure related to fever following a flu shot.
When Should I Get Vaccinated
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You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated early is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults. Vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later. Children who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.
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How To Treat Flu Shot Side Effects
To minimize flu shot side effects, Dr. Patel recommends the following:
- Apply ice or a cold compress to the injection site to help reduce pain and swelling if you experience soreness.
- Apply warm packs to muscle aches.
- Avoid activities that add tension to your arm, such as working out or lifting heavy objects.
- Try to get your flu shot on a Friday or Saturday, which will help you recover from any potential side effects over the weekend.
- Take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Motrin for soreness or discomfort.
If you have a high fever greater than 101.5 within 24 to 72 hours after the vaccine or if the local reaction gets worse after 24 hours, then you should contact your physician, Dr. Mavunda advises.
Headache And Other Aches And Pains
After your shot, you might have headaches or some achiness and pain in the muscles throughout your body. This also usually happens on the first day and goes away within two days. Taking pain relievers can help ease your discomfort.
Its controversial whether its safe to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat these vaccine side effects.
Some research suggests that these medications might change or decrease how your body responds to the vaccine. One study involving children found that taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen didnt reduce the bodys response to the flu vaccine.
Other research is mixed. Its still unclear whether these medications should be avoided.
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What Is The Cell
The production of influenza vaccines traditionally involves hens eggs. However, there is a different method for cell-based influenza vaccines such as Flucelvax Quad, the only cell-based flu vaccine approved for use in Australia. Its approved for use in people aged 9 years and older but has not been added to the National Immunisation Program schedule.
Studies show that cell-based vaccines have a similar efficacy and safety profile to standard flu vaccines. Normally, neither type is recommended over the other.
However, standard flu vaccines are preferred for use in pregnancy because a large body of evidence supports their safety for pregnant women. The safety of cell-based flu vaccines during pregnancy hasnt been assessed.
Wait Can You Get A Flu Shot When Youre Sick An Expert Weighs In
Whether you made an appointment with your doctor or are just going to hit up your local pharmacy, it can feel so good to plan to get your annual flu shot. You’re being proactive about your healthgo you! What doesnt feel so hot? Feeling sick at the same time you planned to get your vaccine.
Now you probably have some questions about next steps. Namely, can you get a flu shot when youre sick?
TBH, even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention isnt a huge help here. This is what the organization currently says online about getting a flu shot when youre sick: If you are not feeling well, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
The answer is a little more complicated than a blanket yes or no . But not all illnesses are the same, and doctors say youre likely just fine to get the flu shot under some circumstances, but not others. Then theres the global pandemic to consider, and the fact that maybe you shouldnt be out in public if you have certain symptoms.
Confused yet? The good news is that youll be able to get your flu shot at some point. You just may need to do a little due diligence first before you stick with your original plan. Read this before rescheduling your flu shot.
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What To Expect When You Get Your Flu Vaccine
Many local pharmacists can also give the flu jab to people aged 3 years and older. If your appointment is at your GP or healthcare provider, a nurse will most likely give you the vaccine.
After your vaccination, you may be asked to wait for up to 20 minutes so that treatment can be given quickly if a very rare, severe allergic reaction occurs. Many people aged 13 years and older will only need to wait 5minutes. Children under 13 years will need to wait 20 minutes.
Avoid driving, cycling, or using any other mobility device for 20 minutes after your vaccination.
When Should Adults Be Vaccinated
Flu seasons also vary, depending on where you live. Flu season can run from October to May. You should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to start working, so you want to make sure you are fully protected as soon as possible. Generally, the seasonal flu vaccine is available from September until spring.
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Allergic Reactions To The Flu Vaccine
It’s very rare for anyone to have a serious allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes.
The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
Anyone can report a suspected side effect of a vaccine through the Yellow Card Scheme.
How To Book Your Appointment
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS.
You may also get an invitation to get the vaccine, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.
Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it.
GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book an appointment for when more vaccines are available.
If you have an appointment for a COVID-19 booster vaccine at a GP surgery or pharmacy, you may also be offered a flu vaccine at the same time.
Do not delay booking your flu vaccine appointment so that you can get both vaccines together. Only some people will be offered both vaccines at the same time.
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Signs Of An Allergic Reaction To The Flu Shot
The risk of having a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine, including the flu shot, is 1.3 in a million. People with an allergy to eggs are most at risk of having a severe allergic reaction, but you may have a reaction to other components of the vaccine, such as preservatives.
However, a preservative allergy is even rarer, and should not deter you from getting the flu shot, says Ryan Steele, DO, board-certified allergist-immunologist and internist at Yale Medicine.
Once you get your flu shot, you may want to monitor your reaction. According to the CDC, some signs of an allergic reaction to the flu shot are:
- Facial swelling around eyes and mouth
- Feeling weak
If you experience these symptoms, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
How Effective Is The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu.
Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses, although there’s still a chance you might get flu.
If you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
Having the flu vaccine will also reduce the chance of you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of serious problems from flu.
It can take 10 to 14 days for the flu vaccine to work.
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Who Flu Jabs Are Free For
Flu vaccinations are free for:
- People aged 65 years and over
- Mori and Pacific people aged 55 years and over
- Pregnant people People who have a long-term medical condition like diabetes, asthma, or a heart condition
From 1 July, flu vaccinations are also free for
- Tamariki aged 3 – 12
- People with serious mental health or addiction needs
If youre eligible for a free flu jab contact your GP, usual healthcare provider or local pharmacy to make a booking.
Is It Possible To Have The Flu And Covid
It is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, CDC says. This could have a severe impact on the bodys immune system and lungs. it could also increase the risk of developing pneumonia. You may need to be hospitalized if you are diagnosed with both. This is another good reason to get a flu shot.
Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 can be similar. Both attack the respiratory system and can involve fever, severe body aches, sore throat, dry cough and fatigue.
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Can People Have An Allergic Reaction To The Flu Shot
A flu immunization may produce an allergic reaction, but instances of this are very rare, and effective treatments can quickly resolve any trouble.
Most vaccines are developed from chicken eggs. The CDC cautions that people who have a history of a severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical setting, supervised by a healthcare provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.
Two completely egg-free flu vaccine options are now widely available the quadrivalent recombinant vaccine and the quadrivalent cell-based vaccine.
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Should Everyone Be Monitored After Receiving The Covid
Yes, whether or not you have had allergic reactions in the past. The CDC states that you should be observed for 15 minutes by your vaccine provider to make sure you dont have an adverse reaction.
Those who have a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause need to be monitored for 30 minutes after vaccination. You should also be monitored for 30 minutes if there are any concerns about your being at increased risk of having an allergic reaction.
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What Protection Does A Flu Vaccine Provide If I Do Get Sick With The Flu
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Some people who get vaccinated may still get sick. However, flu vaccination has been shown in some studies to reduce the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized adults with flu. Another study in 2018 showed that a vaccinated adult who was hospitalized with the flu was 59 percent less likely to be admitted to the ICU than someone who had not been vaccinated. Among adults in the ICU with flu, vaccinated patients on average spent 4 fewer days in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated.
When To Postpone The Flu Shot
Having cold symptoms isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid getting your flu shot. But sometimes it’s better to put it off for a few days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends waiting until you’re better if:
- You have a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- You’re very ill
Fever isn’t a frequent cold symptom in adults. It’s more common in children, though.
If you’re planning to get your child vaccinated and they seem sick, monitor their temperature. If they have a fever, the healthcare provider may decide it’s better to wait than to vaccinate right away.
The healthcare provider giving you the vaccine should ask you if you have a fever or are sick before giving it. If they don’t, be sure to speak up.
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Can I Have Flu And Covid
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Yes. It is possible to have flu, as well as other respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 at the same time. Health experts are still studying how common this can be.
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Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with flu or COVID-19.
Seasonal Allergies And Flu Shots
For many San Antonians, the changing of the seasons marks another peak allergy time and flu season. Allergy sufferers flock to the stores to stock up on over-the-counter medications and tissues, and other supplies. San Antonio is a prime area for allergens. The reasons why may surprise you, and if you are thinking of forgoing your flu shot this year, heres why you shouldnt.
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Recognizing Allergic Reactions To A Covid
Its important to distinguish side effects from the vaccine from allergic reactions to it. Most people who get the vaccine experience some common side effects. These include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever.
The common side effects of these vaccines are very common to other vaccines, says Dr. Kreiner. And like other vaccines, the symptoms do self-resolve.
Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine would generally fall into one of two categories: non-severe immediate reactions and severe reactions, per the CDC.
Non-severe reactions that occur within four hours of getting vaccinated are known as immediate allergic reactions. Symptoms include:
Severe allergic reactions require treatment with epinephrine or an EpiPen, or treatment at a hospital, according to the CDC. This is also known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness