We might be in for a rough flu season this year in the US, if expert predictions are correct. But the good news is, we have very safe and effective tools for fighting and preventing the flu, caused by the potentially deadly influenza virus, including the flu vaccine. Show
According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and one of the best ways to keep from getting the flu and spreading it to others. And people who get vaccinated and get sick anyway often experience less severe symptoms. If you're thinking of getting vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC says it is safe to get both vaccines together (this includes the new COVID-19 boosters). The simple fact is, flu vaccines can save lives. There are plenty of myths out there about the flu vaccine, such as the idea that it can give you the flu. While that's not true, you can experience some side effects from the flu shot. The side effects are usually mild and nothing to worry about, but it's important to know about them so you're not worried when you get your vaccine. Below, Dr. Carmen Teague, specialty medical director at Atrium Health's Mecklenburg Medical Group, shares what you need to know about common flu shot side effects that are normal, and which side effects may be a sign of something more serious. Read more: 6 Best Vitamins for Flu Season Common flu shot side effectsRepeat: The flu vaccine won't give you the flu, but you can experience mild symptoms because of how the vaccine works. "The flu vaccine is designed to stimulate your immune system to build antibodies to the virus. That stimulation can cause a low-grade fever, a decrease in appetite, loose stool, mild fatigue or myalgia (muscle ache) and even a scant cough," Teague said. According to Teague, these symptoms usually resolve after a few days and are no cause for alarm. You may also experience some redness, swelling or soreness where the shot was injected, which is also normal. The CDC says you can experience "flulike" symptoms after getting the vaccine, such as:
The symptoms listed above should resolve in a few days. Also, keep in mind not everyone has symptoms, but those are the most common. When it comes to other symptoms, or symptoms that last longer, it's important to keep in mind that you can still catch a cold, or other virus, right after you get the flu shot. So if you experience other symptoms that seem like the flu, it could be another illness and it doesn't mean the shot made you sick. The flu shot also takes about two weeks to become effective at protecting you from the flu, so you could technically catch the flu within that two-week window.
Now playing: Watch this: COVID-19 boosters and the delta variant: What you need... 7:23 Signs of a more serious (but rare) reaction"A very small percentage of people can have a true allergic reaction to the vaccine, including chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, facial or throat swelling and redness of the eyes," Teague said. If you experience these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. Teague says severe allergic reactions usually happen within a few hours of getting the flu shot. Signs of a severe allergic reaction, according to the CDC, can include:
Another possible reaction is an infection where the shot was administered. "Patients can also develop an infection at the injection site, which is manifested as worsening redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness," Teague said. You should also seek immediate medical attention for this type of reaction. (If you're not sure if it's the common, harmless redness-and-swelling side effect or an infection, check with a doctor.) The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives. Influenza (flu) is a respiratory virus which is highly contagious. Learn more about the symptoms and the influenza vaccine. Those who are at risk of serious flu complications such as those 65 and older, young children under the age of 5 and people with certain chronic conditions are strongly recommended to get their yearly flu vaccinations. Flu vaccination, also commonly referred to as a "flu shot", is the best way to prevent the flu. Influenza, commonly known as the "flu", is a contagious viral disease that can affect anyone, including healthy people. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs), causing inflammation of the mucous membranes. It can be spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The flu viruses are transmitted into the air through droplets, and other people can be infected when they breathe in the viruses. When these viruses enter the nose, throat, or lungs of a person, they begin to
multiply, causing influenza symptoms. The viruses can also be spread indirectly when a person touches a surface with flu viruses on it (for example, a doorknob) and then touches his or her nose or mouth. Transmission can also occur when an infected person shares food with others during mealtime without a serving spoon.
Related: 8 Personal Hygiene Boo Boos You Don’t Want Make Causes & Risk FactorsInfluenza is caused by the flu virus which has 3 main types: flu A, flu B and flu C. Flu A and B are responsible for seasonal outbreaks and epidemics. Between the two types, flu A causes more severe cases and complications like pneumonia, especially in the elderly, young children (5 years and below) and those with chronic conditions. Influenza Symptoms and SignsFlu symptoms usually come on suddenly, and symptoms include high fever, sore throat, coughing, headache, muscle aches, and stuffy nose. Other symptoms may include sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, chills, and stomach symptoms. ComplicationsA severe case of influenza can lead to pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and other complications such as bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs), sinusitis (infection of the nasal passages), ear infection and meningitis (inflammation of the lining that covers the brain). Who is more likely to develop complications from an influenza infection?Persons who get the flu virus may have different reactions to the illness. Some groups of people are at high risk to develop complications which could lead to death. Older people, young children, people with a weakened immune system, or those with heart and lung diseases are more likely to develop serious complications due to a flu infection. The following people are at highest risk for complications related to influenza infection.
Related: Know How To Fight Flu Self-Care
People who develop flu symptoms should practice good self-care. The flu virus takes time and rest to recover. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activities like running and jogging when ill (until one completely recover). Do not go to work or school and avoid crowded places to minimise
the transmission of the infection to others. TreatmentMedications to reduce the pain and fever, such as paracetomol, can be used. For higher risk individuals, especially young children, older adults and those with other medical conditions, they should seek medical attention promptly. There are antiviral medications available to treat the flu. These medications act to decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. To be effective, flu antiviral drugs should be
taken within the first 2 days after the person gets sick. They may also help reduce the severity of flu symptoms and help the person with flu recover faster by a few days. It is important to remember that these flu antiviral medications are not a substitute for flu vaccination. Getting a flu vaccine yearly is still the best way to protect you from the flu. Antibiotics are ineffective against the flu because they do not
work on viruses. However, sometimes people develop serious secondary infections caused by bacteria in addition to their flu virus. Secondary bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment so it is important to have your symptoms assessed by a doctor especially if you are not recovering as expected. PreventionThere are many ways to prevent the spread of flu and to protect yourself against this infection. Assess the situation you are in. Do you or your household members belong to the group at-risk of developing influenza-related complications? Are you regularly exposed to those at risk of complications from flu? An annual flu vaccine is the best protection for you against the flu. Additionally, everyone can practise healthy habits, good personal hygiene and be socially responsible. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth and after going to the
toilet. While soap and water is the best choice, when it is not available you can follow the same handwashing steps using an alcohol-based hand rub.
Lead a healthy lifestyle
Related: Protect Yourself And Others Against The Flu Flu Vaccination - Who Needs It?A flu shot is most beneficial for those who have a higher risk of developing complications (see list above) from an influenza infection. Household members of those at risk can also do their part to protect
themselves by getting an annual flu shot. It is also advisable to get a flu vaccination if you are a healthcare worker as you may regularly be exposed to patients with different flu viruses. You will also be protecting vulnerable patients by preventing the spread of the virus to them. Flu Vaccination - FrequencyThe flu vaccination takes effect about 2 weeks after vaccination, thus it's better to get vaccinated early before flu season starts. In Singapore, the Northern Hemisphere flu season generally occurs between November and February. The Southern Hemisphere season is from May to July. Flu shots contain several strains of flu virus that are expected to be the most common for that season. Yearly vaccination is recommended as flu viruses are constantly changing, and your body's immunity to flu viruses may decline over time. Thus, getting vaccinated every year provides the best protection against influenza. Related: Beat The Flu When You Have Diabetes Flu Vaccination - Where to Get It and Common Side Effects?Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including CHAS GP clinics, polyclinics, hospitals, specialist clinics, nursing homes, workplaces and even schools. Some minor side effects can be associated with a
flu vaccination. They are:
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually lasts 1 to 2 days. These symptoms do not mean you have the flu and unlike the flu, they are not contagious when brought on by the vaccination. On very rare occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your suitability for vaccination. *Note: This flu vaccine does not give protection against bird flu or the H7N9. Currently, there is no vaccine for this strain. Subsidies and Use of Medisave for VaccinationFlu vaccination is highly subsidised at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics for all Singaporeans who are in the high risk groups.
Additionally, MediSave may be used up to $500/$700 per year for Influenza vaccinations for persons with a higher
risk of developing influenza-related complications at both CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics. Click here for more information on subsidies available, other vaccine-preventable diseases and frequently asked questions. Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips. Read these next:
Can you have a delayed reaction to the flu vaccine?Vaccine-associated anaphylaxis is extremely rare, but the most concerning and life-threatening allergic reaction to vaccines. A typical vaccine-associated anaphylaxis has been known to occur within 30 min after immunization, but delayed-onset anaphylaxis could occur at >4 hours after immunization.
Why do I get sick 2 weeks after flu shot?No, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza. This is why you may develop the flu around the time you get a vaccine because you were exposed prior to getting the vaccine and were not protected at the time you got infected. 7.
How long after flu shot did you feel sick?What if I always seem to get sick after getting the flu shot? You cannot get the flu from the flu shot, but you may experience mild side effects. It's common to feel tenderness at the injection site or mild symptoms for a day or two afterward.
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