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I’ll admit, I hate the flu shot. It seems that every time I’ve gotten it, I get sick with what seems like the flu right after. At the same time, I know that getting the flu shot is supposed to reduce my risk of getting the flu, limit its severity if I get the flu, and keep my family safer from getting a miserable week in bed.
I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. “Logically I know the flu shot is not a live virus and cannot give you the flu, however, the flu-like symptoms always convince me the shot gave me the flu,” Southern Californian mom of two Lynee Port confessed to Mom.com.
But is feeling sick after the flu shot the same as getting the flu?
Feeling sick after the flu shot
In a nutshell, the answer is no. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that the “flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness.” The reason is that the vaccine is either made with the flu virus that has been inactivated, thus not infectious, or using only a single gene to provide one particular immune response. The most common side effects of the flu vaccine include soreness, redness, swelling, and tenderness where the flu shot was administered.
If you are feeling sick after the flu shot, you likely are experiencing other side effects such as a low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches. It is these side effects that convince someone they have the flu. The side effects do mimic some of the symptoms of the flu but only last a couple of days.
Symptoms of the flu
The flu lasts anywhere from two days to two weeks. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms with the flu and the CDC says that many people might get secondary infections, such as sinus and ear infections. The biggest concern you should have if you have the actual flu (and not side effects of the flu shot) is the potential upper respiratory infection that can lead to sepsis and death.
If you have the flu, you likely have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Feverish with chills or a fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congested sinuses
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea
In addition to these symptoms, children may also experience rapid breathing, bluish lips, lack of urination (extreme dehydration), and chest pain. Seek medical attention if fevers are over 104ºF or conditions don’t improve over the course of the week.
What should I do if I get sick after getting a flu shot?
The side effects of the flu vaccine last only a couple of days. Take the time to carry a lighter load and get a little more rest on the days following your flu shot. If you do get sick, chances are you picked up a separate viral infection, rather than the flu. It’s also important to remember that the flu shot may not be effective against every flu strain and won’t completely inoculate you from getting sick.
Other than getting extra rest, be sure to drink a lot of fluids. Bone broth is high in protein and other nutrients, and can help soothe body aches and pains. You can take over-the-counter pain medication to deal with some of the aches and pains. A warm compress on the shot location will help reduce tenderness around the shot site.
Getting kids vaccinated
Unless a child has an allergy or other health issue preventing them from getting the flu shot, parents should consider this annual vaccine. Up to 61,000 people die annually from the flu, with another 140,000 to 810,000 being hospitalized. The elderly and young children are the highest-risk classes for deadly complications.
By getting the flu shot for your children, you reduce their chances of getting the flu and succumbing to the complications of the virus. By getting yourself vaccinated, you reduce your chances of getting the flu and passing it on to your children. Every parent should work with their pediatrician to provide their children with the maximum protection from the flu.
“During high peaks in flu season, it may be best to avoid high-risk areas with an infant, especially if they are too young to be vaccinated,” Laura Flinn, assistant professor in the online nursing program at Bradley University, reminded Mom.com readers.
Remember that infants under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated and are in a high-risk category. This is why many moms get the flu shot — to reduce their own chances of getting the flu and exposing their vulnerable babies.
