How to Relieve a Flu Shot’s Side Effects
Getting the flu shot is important, and many people will get the shot annually. While you might think it is safe and better than getting the flu, there can be some severe side effects. Depending on individual circumstances, the vaccine’s side effects might be worse than getting the flu. If you suffer from minor side effects, you may be looking for some tips on alleviating these symptoms.
While some side effects are expected, you could be eligible to seek compensation if you suffer severe health issues from the vaccine. Discuss potential legal options with the vaccine injury attorney from Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates.
The purpose of the flu shot
The flu can leave you in bed for a few days. However, for some, the virus can cause serious and ongoing health complications. The flu can lead to hospitalization, respiratory illness, and death. The flu shot is necessary for many individuals to avoid complications and save their lives. Often, those who are most at risk include:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Seniors
While these are the most common types of people who may suffer flu complications, anyone can. You do not have to be at risk of flu complications to get the shot. Discuss your risk factors with your medical provider to determine if it is the right decision. While the flu shot can help prevent the flu and complications from the virus, the shot can also cause many side effects.
Mild side effects can go away within a few days. They are usually not cause for concern. However, severe allergic reactions and other side effects can lead to lifelong conditions. If you suffer severe complications from a flu shot, speak to a local vaccine injury attorney.
Side effects from the flu shot
Everyone is different, and you can experience side effects that others do not. Some common and mild side effects include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Soreness at the vaccination site
- Headache
- A low-grade fever
- Dizziness
- Redness or swelling of the vaccine area
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
You can also experience cold-like symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat. These side effects can be treated or disappear after a few days. However, if you experience side effects worse than these or the symptoms stay over a week, you could suffer a severe complication. Discuss your symptoms with a doctor.
Severe flu shot side effects
When the flu shot leaves you with severe side effects, you should seek immediate medical attention. You could be left with a life-altering condition from these side effects. The following are severe side effects of the flu shot:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis
- SIRVA
- Parsonage-Turner Syndrome
- Hives or swelling in your throat or face
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- CIDP
Other vaccine injuries are possible, and you may suffer these reactions if a medical provider administers the vaccine incorrectly. This can involve injecting the shot too shallow, deep, or far in one direction. It will appear as physical trauma on your arm or shoulder. You might be eligible to file a claim if you suffer serious symptoms or side effects. Speak to a nationwide vaccine injury attorney who can assess your options.
Chest pain after the flu shot is more common than you would think. It is an immune system response and causes inflammation and discomfort in your chest. Pain can be mild or severe and last several days. It will usually subside on its own. However, if the pain continues or you have other symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Relieving your flu shot side effects
You have a few at-home remedies to alleviate minor flu shot side effects. You can have some of these tools ready before you get your flu shot to prevent or lower potential side effects. Tips for relieving flu shot side effects include:
- Drink fluids and rest. Liquids like water will help with muscle aches and fatigue.
- Warm and cold compresses can reduce the pain and swelling on the injection site.
- Get light exercise if you are up for it to increase blood flow. It can also reduce soreness,
- Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can reduce pain and fevers.
Side effects will vary for everyone. If you experience mild side effects, try at-home remedies. However, you should get medical attention immediately if you suffer severe vaccine side effects. If your side effects lead to other complications, you may have a vaccine injury claim. During an initial consultation, speak to Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates to discuss your legal options.
Treating a flu shot injury
Different treatment options are available if you suffer a severe flu shot injury. The proper treatment will vary depending on your injury and its severity. Treatment options for Guillain-Barre Syndrome include:
- Medications
- Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy
- Palms exchange
To treat SIRVA, you may require the following:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Orthopedic treatment
- Surgery
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It is vital to move quickly to treat this reaction. One treatment for this is an epinephrine injection. It can open your airways and dilate blood vessels. Regardless of your flu shot injury, you should get medical treatment quickly.
Reporting flu shot injuries
If you receive the flu shot and believe you suffered an injury or severe complication, you must take several steps to report the injury. You must properly document your injury so you recover compensation. Following these steps can help you properly document your injury and build a vaccine injury claim:
- Call your doctor to discuss your symptoms and schedule an appointment.
- When meeting with your doctor, you should provide information about your vaccination, such as the date, injection site, and administrator information. Also, discuss your side effects and symptoms.
- Ask your doctor to report your injury using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. They can use a form or call (800) 822-7967.
- Speak to a vaccine injury lawyer from Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates.
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System program collects data about vaccines. They focus on adverse reactions. They aim to help agencies like the CDC and FDA to improve safety measures. Filing a VAERS differs from seeking compensation through a vaccine injury claim. It is best to file both, as the VAERS report can serve as evidence in your compensation claim.
Compensation for flu-vaccine injuries
If you suffer severe pain or other side effects after a flu vaccine, a more significant problem is likely happening. You could suffer nerve damage, SIRVA, allergic reactions, or an infection. Muscle weakness and paralysis are also possible. To recover compensation for your injury, contact your healthcare provider. They will assess your symptoms and send you for diagnostic testing if applicable. They will then determine if you need additional treatment. Medications and over-the-counter pain relievers are common for managing pain, but you could need other treatments.
Most flu shot claims fall under a no-fault system. You can file a complaint against the hospital, clinic, doctor, or vaccine manufacturer. You will have three years to file a claim with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Compensation amounts will vary depending on the flu-related illness and impact on your life.
Speak to a vaccine injury lawyer near you.
You have options if you suffer any severe side effects or injuries after a flu shot. You must contact the vaccine injury lawyer from Jeffery S. Pop & Associates. We are a national leader in vaccine litigation. Since the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program pays reasonable attorney’s fees, you will not worry about representation costs. Call (888) 921-3995 for an initial consultation today.
