The flu or influenza can develop into a serious condition if not treated promptly. Fortunately, you can often prevent the illness by taking a flu shot. Like many medications and vaccines, you will likely experience mild side effects after the flu shot.
Many people feel sore, tired, or without energy after the vaccine shot. There are a few things you can do to avoid getting worse. For instance, pain relievers often help with flu shot side effects. More importantly, you should follow the doctor’s advice on what you should not drink, eat, or do after the flu shot.
While most people recover just fine following a flu shot and experience the benefits of the vaccine throughout flu season, some unfortunately suffer serious and harmful effects. These might include serious health conditions that require medical treatment and lead to bills and expenses. Consider speaking to a trusted vaccine injury attorney for legal advice if you’ve experienced severe side effects after a flu shot.
Pay Attention to Side Effects
While the flu shot is generally safe, it’s common to experience some side effects after vaccination. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, lasting only a few days.
One of the most common side effects of the flu shot is soreness or redness at the injection site. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine as your body’s immune system responds to the dead or weakened flu virus in the vaccine. The soreness usually goes away on its own within a couple of days. Applying a warm compress to the injection site can help alleviate any discomfort.
Some individuals may also experience mild flu-like symptoms after getting the flu shot. These symptoms can include a low-grade fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. These symptoms are a sign that your body is building up immunity to the flu virus. They typically subside within 24-48 hours. Drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate these symptoms.
Severe Side Effects are Possible
While the majority of people experience only mild reactions such as soreness at the injection site or a low-grade fever, there have been some instances of severe side effects.
These severe side effects can include an allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, which may manifest as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face and throat. Although this is a rare occurrence, you must recognize the symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
Additionally, there have been reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) associated with flu shots. GBS is a neurological disorder that can result in muscle weakness or paralysis. While the link between GBS and flu shots is extremely rare, always pay attention to any unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
Symptoms of severe allergic reactions or GBS that you should never ignore or delay medical treatment after a flu shot include:
- High fever
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling around the mouth, eyes, and other areas of your face
- Weakness in your legs or unsteady gait
- Feeling pins and needles in extremities
- Cramping, achy, or shooting pains at night
- Blood pressure issues
- Racing heart rate
- Breathing problems
- Facial movement troubles
- Eye paralysis or double vision
- Bladder or bowel control problems
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms at all, never ignore them. Speak with your doctor or go to the emergency room to get an evaluation. If it is confirmed that you are experiencing severe side effects from your flu shot, you need to undergo the proper medical treatment. Then, seek a legal consultation with a vaccine injury lawyer who can assess your rights to compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After a Flu Shot
There aren’t many restrictions on the foods you should avoid after taking a flu shot. However, if you’re feeling nauseous or unwell, you can avoid certain foods that might upset your stomach more. If you are already sensitive to certain foods, continue to avoid them.
Further, avoiding sugary, fried, or processed foods can enhance the side effects of a flu shot because they can increase dehydration and inflammation in many cases. Avoiding these is a good idea. Instead, focus on foods that enhance hydration and that are rich in nutrients, like fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and plenty of fluids.
Healthcare providers recommend people avoid drinking alcohol after the flu shot. Too much alcohol can suppress immune cell activity.
Medications to Avoid
Most medications do not interact negatively with flu shots or cause you problems after taking them. As such, you should take your medications as prescribed in anticipation of taking a flu shot.
If you’re taking medications like steroids that suppress your immune system, talk to your health provider about the timing of your doses. A healthcare provider may recommend an alternative time when the body is likely to mount a robust immune response after the flu shot.
It may help to avoid particular over-the-counter medications since research suggests these medications may weaken or dilute the protective effects of the vaccine. Discuss any medications you plan to take with your healthcare provider.
Activities to Avoid After Flu Shot With Fatigue
A flu shot is likely to make you feel tired and sore as the immune system works overtime to develop protection against the virus. Some time off and self-care can help if you are feeling hurt or sick after the flu shot.
Easy to moderate exercise can boost your flu protection. Even if your arm feels sore, moving it around can lessen the soreness. However, exercise is ill-advised if you feel faint or dizzy after the vaccination.
Get Legal Help From an Experienced Vaccine Injury Attorney
Although rare, some patients experience severe allergic reactions when healthcare providers issue the flu shot to people who shouldn’t. If you’ve suffered a severe allergic reaction, you deserve compensation for injury-related losses like medical expenses, lost income, and emotional anguish.
Jeffrey S. Pop & Associates has a team of experienced attorneys committed to representing injured victims. Reach out online or at (888) 891-2816 for a free case evaluation.