What are the Side Effects from a Flu Shot?

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The Flu is one of the many things that we don’t want to have especially for our kids. Although there are already a lot of medications or drugs that could help treat or manage flu, having this kind of condition is still something that no one would ever like to experience. Fortunately, flu shots or vaccines are already available in order to help our system become immune from this type of viral infection. These flu shots contain inactive pathogens that could help or stimulate our system in making antibodies for future infections. By the sound of it, flu shots can be very helpful; nevertheless, some are still worried about the possible negative reaction of flu shots in our body. So are there really any side effects from a flu shot?

Flu shots are usually given when we are still kids. Most kids these days that receive flu shots are able to tolerate the vaccine very well. However, certain reactions and side effects are still likely to happen on a case to case basis. Some even say that getting flu shots can cause flu, which is not possible at all since flu shots don’t contain live vaccines. In fact it is given in order to prevent flu from occurring. However, having flu shots can still create minor or mild side effects especially on very young children who are receiving the shot for the first time. Some of the most common and mild flu reactions include pain, soreness and swelling on the site of injection, which is considered normal and will usually disappear not more than 2 days.

Having flu shots can also cause rare systemic reactions that usually begin 6 to 12 hours after receiving the flu shot. This too shall normally disappear from 1 to 2 days. The reactions include fever, malaise, rash and also muscle soreness or aches. Allergic reactions can also be an effect such as angioedema, hives and anaphylaxis. These side effects are considered life threatening; however, having these reactions are very rare. Most people who are allergic to eggs are the one who are usually reactive to these flu shots. That is why it is very important for us to disclose all information to the doctor or health provider before we submit ourselves or our children for such kind of shot.

Aside from flu shots, kids these days are being given instead with Flumist or nasal spray flu vaccine. Unfortunately, this too carries side effects such as runny nose or nasal congestion, low grade fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, tiredness or weakness, cough, chills and sinusitis. These are just some of the most common side effects or having flu shots and nasal spray flu vaccines. Although these things are given in order to prevent future health problems, these shots and vaccinations must still be taken carefully and responsibly.