Are you prepared for the flu season? Among the most effective measures to self-protect from the flu or influenza is getting the vaccine. Each year, people go for the flu shot or nasal spray as they endeavor to stay safe throughout the flu season. The vaccine improves the chances of not catching the flu to as much as 60%. While the flu shot is an excellent measure, you also need to observe other measures, such as proper sanitation and staying away from people with flu symptoms. From proper diets, hydration, sanitization, and staying away from hot spots such as the hospital, a lot goes in as you strive to keep the flu at bay.
You could be wondering why you need to take the flu shot every year. The vaccine is availed yearly, noting that the flu strains are constantly changing. The scientists make predictions on the expected flu strains and, while developing the vaccine, reformulate to match the drifting genetic composition. That’s why it is advisable to get the yearly shot, especially for young children, older adults above the age of 65, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions, noting that such groups are at high risk of catching the flu. The vaccine is administered to everyone, provided they are above six months old.
While the flu shot is a great flu protection measure, you might experience some side effects. Some side effects are common, but it might be severe in some instances, necessitating a visit to the emergency room. Visiting the ER, such as Premier Emergency Room alleviates chances of developing serious complications. Freestanding ER won’t expose you to a higher risk of catching the flu; the wait time, compared to hospital ER, is low. You won’t have to wait in line and with immediate attention from board-certified doctors, equipped with the relevant tools, ensures that your side effects are addressed accordingly. As you prepare to get the flu shot, here are some of the possible side effects, including those that should prompt you to seek urgent medical attention.
Injection site
The injection site’s reactions are among the common side effects, but they subside after a few days, typically two. You could notice slight swelling, soreness, redness, and warmth.
Aches
Headache and other achiness and pain throughout your body muscles is a common flu shot side effect. The side effects occur the first day after getting the shot, and they should go away within two days. Pain relievers can help to deal with the aches. While taking pain relievers, mostly ibuprofen or acetaminophen, please consult your doctor, noting that some medication could influence the body’s response to the vaccine, affecting its effectiveness.
Fever
A slight fever is considered a mild flu shot side effect. It is common to have a fever of 101°F (38°C) or less. If it gets higher or you feel uncomfortable, visiting the emergency room is recommended.
Fainting/dizziness
Getting dizzy or fainting isn’t a strange side effect while getting any shot. If you get dizzy/faint when getting a shot, inform your health provider before getting the flu shot to take the necessary measures. You could also implement measures such as ensuring your energy levels are good, such as taking a snack before the shot or sitting while getting the flu shot. Fainting/dizziness should lapse within a day or two, and if it persists, visiting the emergency room is advised.
GBS
While rare, a few cases of people experiencing GBS after receiving the flu vaccine have been reported over the years. GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) is a neurologic condition, causing weakness and paralysis throughout the body. If you’ve experienced GBS before, due to the flu shot or not, it is advisable to consult your doctor before getting the vaccine. The doctor will evaluate your situation to establish it getting the shot is safe. Visit the emergency room immediately if you notice GBS symptoms after the flu shot.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions are perhaps the top side effects that should prompt you to visit the emergency room. While rare, flu shot could result in various allergic reactions, showing a few hours after receiving the vaccine. Among the top symptoms that you might be experiencing an allergic reaction to the flu shot include;
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling
- Hives
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fast heart rate
You might be tempted to wait for the symptoms to lapse, but that could make the situation severe. As such, it is advisable to visit the nearest freestanding emergency room for urgent attention to avoid developing complications that could jeopardize your overall health.
The best time to get the flu shot in the northern hemisphere is by the end of October. This gives your body enough time to mount the vaccine and build immunity to fight the flu. A common misconception, especially noting the possible side effects, is that you can catch the flu from the flu shot. Mild symptoms such as headache, muscle pains, and low-grade fever are some of the concerns that drive the perception. The symptoms match the flu signs, and while not as serious as getting sick, some worry that the immunization could be giving them the flu. The vaccine doesn’t contain a live virus, and the reaction is as your body mounts the vaccine and the immune system responds to it, learning how to fight the real flu virus. The symptoms indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and shouldn’t go anywhere near as bad as the flu.
The flu vaccine is safe for everyone, and it is recommended that you get it every year. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that people respond differently to the flu vaccine and establish when a visit to the emergency room is necessary. For instance, after the flu nasal spray, children might exude symptoms such as vomiting, muscle aches, fever, wheezing, headache, and runny nose. Adults mostly show signs such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and headache. The symptoms should lapse a few days after getting the vaccine, and if they persist, you should seek urgent medical attention.