Can You Get A Uti From The Flu Shot

Preventing Utis And Yeast Infections

Doctor weighs in: How young to get the flu shot and a newly approved drug for UTIs

Urinary tract infections and yeast infections can be safely and easily treated. However, if you have experienced either of these conditions, you know just how uncomfortable they can be.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to try to prevent these infections.

In addition to staying hydrated, proper bathroom hygiene, such as remembering to wipe from front to back, can reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Urinating after sex naturally flushes bacteria from your urinary tract that may have found their way there during intercourse.
Avoid using douches or sprays, as they can kill good bacteria that keeps your vagina healthy.
Wear underwear and clothing that is made from natural materials to prevent bacteria or yeast buildup.
When exercising or after enduring a hot day, be sure to change out of sweaty clothes and shower as soon as you can.

Youre Using Certain Methods Of Birth Control

When it comes to UTI prevention, not all birth control methods are created equal. Luckily, only one method is associated with UTIs: a diaphragm.

Because of where the diaphragm sits, it puts pressure on the urethra, which might lead to an increased risk, says Minkin. The good news? There are plenty of other great birth control options.

Can I Get A Flu Vaccine While Taking Tamiflu

Yes, you possibly can. There are two types of flu vaccines: inactive and live .

You can get an inactive flu vaccine when youre using Tamiflu. However, you cant get the live influenza vaccine while youre taking Tamiflu. This is because the live vaccine may not work as well for you since Tamiflu will be fighting off the virus youre given in the vaccine.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about when the right time is for you to get a flu shot. If you have the flu or youre currently taking Tamiflu, remind your doctor or pharmacist. Theyll be able to recommend whether you should get a flu vaccine.

What Is The Flu

The flu is a very contagious virus that spreads through droplets in the air after someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may get the flu by inhaling the droplets or touching a surface infected with the droplets and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

The flu virus attacks your nose, throat, and lungs and causes a range of symptoms, such as:

Body aches
Headache
Chills and sweats

In most cases, the flu resolves with at-home care. However, some people are at risk of developing serious health complications from the flu, such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Though most people only experience mild symptoms, health care professionals recommend that everyone aged six months and older get the flu shot every year to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick.

Most Common Influenza Vaccine Side Effects

Reaction at Injection Site: The flu shot is typically administered to the upper arm and may result in a slight reaction. The most common reaction after receiving the shot is to have soreness, warmth, redness, and slight swelling at the injection site. Any reaction typically subsides within two days and discomfort can be managed by taking ibuprofen prior to getting the shot.

Headaches and Aches or Pains: Usually occurring on the first day after receiving the shot, headaches or muscle aches throughout the body may occur but generally go away within two days. Pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort. Though there is some research that suggests these medications can decrease the effectiveness of the vaccine, it is unclear if these medications should be avoided.

Fever: It is common for a low grade fever 99-100 degrees to develop after the flu shot. This is considered a mild side effect and generally goes away in a day or two. Taking acetaminophen , can help combat any fever resulting from the vaccination.

Dizziness or Fainting: Some people are prone to dizziness or fainting with any shot they receive. Patients that have a history of fainting or dizziness should communicate that to their doctor prior to receiving the flu shot.

The Flu vaccine does NOT cause the flu but these above potential mild side effects may occur.

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Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Getting vaccinated helps reduce the spread of the flu virus, and that saves lives. Thanks to modern medicine, we sometimes think of it as just the flu, but it can be deadly. Especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

The vaccine is not 100% effective, so its possible to be vaccinated and still get the flu. That may make you wonder if you should bother with a shot at all. The answer is definitely yes.

Getting vaccinated slows the spread of the virus, meaning fewer people overall are exposed. Also, if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms wont be as severe.

One of the most pervasive myths about the flu shot is that you can get the flu from the shot. Thats simply not true. You may have some mild discomfort after the shot, but thats it.

If you havent gotten a flu shot yet, protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. Theres still time, but the longer you wait, the more exposed you are to the risk of contracting the flu.

Smart Clinic Urgent Care has two convenient locations. Call the one that works best for you or stop by to get your flu shot today.

Can I Get A Flu Shot While Sick

Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.

Who Shouldn’t Get One

Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against influenza A and B. Those are the viruses that cause seasonal flu.

But if you’re sick when your appointment rolls around, ask your provider whether you should postpone the shot until you’re feeling better.

If you have just a minor illness like a cold, you can still get a flu vaccine. If you’re sicker or have a fever, your healthcare provider will likely recommend waiting.

This article explains the potential problems of getting a flu shot when you’re sick, when it’s best to get the vaccine, and why some people should avoid it entirely.

Verywell / Cindy Chung

Vaccines trigger an immune response in your body. Here’s how it works:

The vaccine “shows” your immune system the virus.
Your immune system makes antibodies, which are proteins that target and inactivate the virus.
Then your body can respond faster when you’re exposed to the flu virus in the future.
That quick response can keep you from getting sick.

If you’re sick when you get the vaccine, your immune system is already hard at work fighting the other illness. That means it may not have the resources to develop flu antibodies at the same time. So the vaccine may be less effective at preventing the flu.

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Is Tamiflu Safe For Older People To Take

Yes, its safe. In clinical studies, Tamiflu was given to 1,994 people who were ages 65 years and older, including 1,048 people ages 75 years and older. There were no differences in the safety or effectiveness of Tamiflu in these age groups compared to the safety or effectiveness seen in younger people taking the drug.

If youre over the age of 65 years, and youre interested in taking Tamiflu, talk with your doctor to see if its an option for you.

What If I Don’t Get A Flu Shot

Getting vaccinated: Answering questions about flu, COVID booster shots

“It is especially important that people with chronic kidney disease at any stage and those who are treated with dialysis or kidney transplant understand that they are at increased risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu,” said Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at NKF.

Kidney disease causes a decreased immune response, increasing vulnerability to infections. Patients face a greater risk of getting certain diseases and developing severe complications. Patients with kidney disease have a higher risk of death from the flu than those without kidney disease.

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When Should You Cancel A Flu Shot If Youre Sick

The key is paying close attention to your symptoms and determining whether youre on the upswing or downswing of that arc. If youre getting better and your flu shot is scheduled for the next day, youre probably fine, Dr. Ford says. If youre still feeling bad or getting worse, then that might be the time to at least check with your doctor about whether you should proceed.

Erring on the side of caution and postponing your appointment until you feel better is never a bad idea, however. Flu shots are widely available in doctors offices, Dr. Ford says. Theyre in all the pharmacies. If youre not sure if you should go ahead and get it, it really isnt a big deal if you delay it by a day or two.

The Bottom Line On Flu Shots And Side Effects

It’s normal to feel soreness, redness, tenderness, or even develop a mild fever or body aches during the two days after you get vaccinatedthats just your immune response, not the flu illness itself.

So theres no reason to avoid getting the flu shot because you think itll make you sick. Unless you have severe or life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredients in it, you should roll up your sleeves for one each year, the CDC says .

Getting sick with the flu is more dangerous than many people think. While most people will recover, some people can develop complications from the influenza virus, which can include sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and inflammation of the heart , brain , or muscle . It can even be deadly.

What Is The Flu Shot

The flu vaccine work by stimulating your immune system to develop antibodies against the viruses included in the vaccine. The vaccine can:

prevent you from getting the flu
make the flu less severe if you do get it
keep you from spreading the flu to others

The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect you from the virus strains expected this flu season, which may change from flu season to flu season. Because the common flu strains may change, it is important to be vaccinated each year in order to be protected from the current flu strains.

Here’s When You Should Not Get The Covid Vaccine

If there’s a chance you have COVID, however, then it’s a different story. If you are having upper respiratory symptoms, the first thing you should do is get tested for COVID-19, Dr. Mandal says. For one thing, if you do have COVID or are awaiting test results, you should immediately self-isolate, and definitely shouldn’t expose the person giving you the shot. For another, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a Jan. 6 C-span interview that you should wait three months to get the COVID vaccine if you have already had the virus. The theory is that waiting would prevent interference between naturally occurring antibodies and the ones the vaccine triggers.

âIf you currently have the virus, then getting vaccinated will not be immediately helpful as the body takes time to mount an immune response,â says Dr. Eudene Harry, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine physician in Orlando, Florida. âIf you have recently received flu or any other vaccinations, then it is recommended by the CDC that you wait to receive COVID vaccine at least 14 days.â In any case, if you have had COVID-19, it is still recommended that you eventually receive the vaccine, as it is still unclear how long immunity from infection lasts, Dr. Harry says.

Experts:

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Will I Need To Use This Drug Long Term

Tamiflu is meant to be used short term for both treating and preventing the flu.

Most people will take Tamiflu for 5 days when its used to treat the flu. When its used to prevent the flu, Tamiflu is typically taken for 10 days. But it can be used for up to 6 weeks for flu prevention if theres a community outbreak.

Tamiflu isnt meant to be used long term. Your doctor will recommend how long you should take this drug.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tamiflu.

You Wipe From Back To Front

Wiping from back to front can transport E. coli, the bacteria thats behind most UTIs, from the rectal region to the urethra. Moral of the story: Always wipe from front to back. Al-Badr A, et al. . Recurrent urinary tract infections management in women: A review.

Financial And Insurance Assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Tamiflu, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Genentech, the manufacturer of Tamiflu, may offer assistance to help lower the cost of Tamiflu. For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 877-436-3683 or visit the program website.

Does Tamiflu Treat Bacterial Infections

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No, Tamiflu doesnt work to treat infections caused by bacteria. Tamiflu contains the active drug oseltamivir, which belongs to a class of antiviral drugs called influenza neuraminidase inhibitors. These drugs target the influenza virus and prevent it from multiplying inside your body. This helps your immune system to fight off the infection.

Some bacterial infections can cause the same symptoms as the influenza virus does. But Tamiflu isnt effective to treat bacterial infections.

If you think you have a bacterial infection, talk with your doctor about your treatment options. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that are effective to treat your infection.

Can Antibiotics Cause A Uti

No. Antibiotics get rid of bacteria, they dont cause infections. But, antibiotics can cause changes in the normal healthy balance of microbes in the body. One example of where this can happen is in the vagina. By disturbing the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, taking antibiotics can make it more likely that youll get a fungal infection like Candida, otherwise known as a yeast infection. This can feel like a UTI, but it isnt.

Now, this doesnt mean you should never take antibiotics. It does, however, mean that you should only take antibiotics when necessary. Taking antibiotics when you dont need them can cause unnecessary side effects. And when you do take them, you should finish the entire course, even if you start feeling better before your course is over.

Are There Risks To Getting A Flu Shot When Youre Sick

If you do get a flu shot when youre sick, dont worry you wont hurt yourself or make yourself sicker. However, its best to let your body focus on dealing with your existing illness.

The immune system is preoccupied with fighting off what youre already sick with, says Dr. Ford. And so you want your system in a prepared state. That way when you get the vaccine, you get a good response. And that bolsters your immunity to influenza that will hopefully last you through the whole flu season.

In a perfect world, getting a flu shot would ensure you stay healthy. But if you get sick a few days after getting a flu shot, will that hurt your chances of developing immunity for the season?

Thankfully, likely not. The immune response to any vaccination happens fairly quickly, typically within the first 24 to 48 hours, says Dr. Ford. So if you find yourself sick later on its a funny thing, because people always say, Well, I got sick from the flu shot. However, the illness was probably there to begin with, and you just hadnt started feeling symptoms. As long as your symptoms are minimal, your bodys going to have a great chance to mount the immunity.

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A Closer Look At How Antibiotics Influence Immune Response

This research shows that disrupting the microbiome in some individuals had a measurable effect on vaccine responses, Dr. Embry says, but much more work is needed to understand if and how the normal use of antibiotics will affect influenza vaccine response.

The research team, led by Bali Pulendran, PhD, a professor of pathology and of microbiology and immunology at the Stanford University School of Medicine, examined 22 volunteers during the 201415 flu season and 11 participants during the 201516 flu season. They ranged in age from 18 to 45.

Half the individuals in each group received a five-day broad-spectrum regimen of antibiotics before getting their flu shot. The antibiotic mix consisted of neomycin, vancomycin, and metronidazole.

Vancomycin and metronidazole are commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal infections such as Clostridium difficile . Neomycin is an antibiotic used not only to reduce the risk of infection during intestinal surgery but also to treat skin infections.

Side Effects In Children

Why Getting a Flu Shot Is the Best Thing You Can Do to ...

During studies, vomiting was one of the most common side effects seen in children ages 2 weeks to 1 year. In this age group, 9% of children taking Tamiflu had vomiting. In children ages 1 year to 12 years, 16% of children had vomiting while taking Tamiflu. In the same age group, vomiting occurred in 8% of children taking a placebo .

If your child is vomiting while theyre taking Tamiflu, its important to make sure they stay hydrated and receive electrolytes during treatment.

Vomiting may lead to dehydration , which may be serious if not treated. You should call your doctor right away if your child has any of the following symptoms, which may indicate dehydration:

a dry mouth
no urination for 12 hours or urine that appears dark in color

Other common side effects seen in children taking Tamiflu can include diarrhea and diaper rash.

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