Flu Shot Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
A seasonal flu vaccine can be received as a nasal spray or as a shot. A flu shot is an inactivated vaccine most often administered by injecting the vaccine in a muscle in a patient's arm. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three most common influenza viruses of the upcoming season.[1] Flu season generally runs from September through January of each year. The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting a flu shot in September of each year or as soon as the vaccine becomes available. Children under five years of age, pregnant women, those over the age of 50, and people with chronic medical conditions are especially advised to get a flu vaccine.
Some people receiving flu shots may experience side effects. Possible flu shot side effects, allergic reactions, and drug interactions may occur in those who receive a flu vaccine.
 Flickr: USACE Europe District | |
| Flu shot effectiveness | 70%-90% effective in those under age 65[2] |
|---|---|
| Who should get a flu shot | Recommended for anyone not wanting to contract the flu, especially those at risk of developing pneumonia, pregnant women, young children, those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, people over age 50, etc.[2] |
| Uses | Prevention of the traditional flu virus |
| Common side effects | Body aches, low grade fever, redness or swelling where the shot was given, coldlike symptoms, etc.[2] |
| Who should not take Flu shots | Children under 6 months, people allergic to chicken eggs, those that have previously had a severe reaction to the flu shot, etc.[1] |
| When should flu shots be administered | October or November[1] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
|
| |
Contents |
Flu Shot Side Effects
Although most people receiving flu shots do not experience serious side effects, adverse reactions may occur. This is true of all drugs, including both prescription and over the counter varieties.The most common side effects of the flu shot include, but are not limited to:[1]
- Aches
- Low grade fever
- Swelling, redness, or soreness in the area where the shot was given
Most side effects only last one or two days after the shot was administered, after which they should subside completely.
Flu Shot Side Effects
Flu Shot Allergic Reactions
Flu shots are not recommended for the following:[3]
- People who have previously experienced adverse reactions to the flu shot
- Patients currently suffering from an illness with fever. These people should wait until they have fully recovered to receive the flu shot.
- Children younger than 6 months of age
- Those that are allergic to eggs, primarily chicken eggs
Flu Shot Drug Interactions
Medical providers should be aware of all the medications their patients take, including over the counter, or OTC drugs; prescription drugs; and vitamins or herbal supplements.[4] While influenza vaccines are generally well tolerated, combining them with certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of the "shot". Prescription medications that might interact with the flu vaccine include:[4]
- drug thinners like warfarin or coumadin
- corticosteroids like prednisone and hydrocortisone
- cancer chemotherapy agents
- medications that suppress the immune system, or immunosuppressants
Patients should continue to take all their scheduled medications until a medical provider is consulted. Many of these drugs lower the body's immune response, while the flu shot is intended to stimulate the body to develop protective antibodies against influenza,[4] so the two drugs may work at cross purposes.
Also See: Agriflu Side Effects, Fluarix Side Effects, FluLaval Side Effects, Afluria Side Effects, Fluvirin Side Effects, Fluzone High-Dose Side Effects, Free Flu Shots, Tamiflu Coupons, Theraflu Coupons, Vaccines for Children
|
|
|
|
