Q: It has been seven weeks since I had my annual flu shot, and my arm is still sore at the injection site. If you don’t want to get a shot, there are other vaccination options available to you. The most common side effect of the flu shot is a reaction at the injection site, which is typically on the upper arm. If you keep the arm from moving too much, it can cause more pain. Because of this, last year’s vaccine may not be a good match for the viruses that are prevalent this flu season. Wibbitz Top Stories. Playing next. If you receive the flu shot as an intramuscular injection (a.k.a. If you’re interested in receiving the nasal spray vaccine, talk with your doctor about whether it’s a safe option for you. In addition to the flu shot, a nasal spray vaccine is also available. Speak with your doctor before receiving a flu shot if any of the following are true: While the CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, it’s still OK to get your vaccine after this time frame. Not everyone gets a sore arm after a flu shot, but it’s pretty common. Treatment is based on a person’s symptoms, Dr. Kemmerly says. So, if you’re right-handed, get the flu vaccine in your left arm. What’s the Nasal Flu Spray? If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression 1. The good news is that with one flu shot each fall, you can significantly lower your chances by 40% to 60% of contracting the flu . "It hurts because an immune response is triggered and various types of immune cells and released proteins congregate in the affected area, causing it to feel sore." After the shot is given, you may … Get the shot in your non-dominant arm. This is why you likely won’t have enough immunity from this year’s shot to protect you into the next flu season. In addition to a sore arm, other common side effects of the flu shot may include: These side effects are typically mild and usually go away after a few days. As with any vaccine, it’s possible that you’ll experience mild side effects after receiving the flu shot. For arm pain after the flu shot, apply a cool compress. Some groups of people are at higher risk for developing complications from the flu, which makes it very important to…. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. A Feeling Of General Discomfort Called Malaise 2. There are a couple of reasons for this. Low Energy 9. The flu shot is given with a needle in your arm, while the nasal spray vaccine is misted into your nose. But are you one of the few who walks away from your shot feeling like you’ve been punched in the arm? And although the flu shot doesn't always provide total protection, it's worth getting. “The reason why your arm specifically is sore is that your immune system is giving you a robust response to the flu vaccination,” Dr. Juanita Mora told the American Lung Association’s blog, Every Breath. Ever wonder why your arm is so sore after a flu shot?. This is particularly important for those at risk of serious flu illness. The goal is for your immune system to make antibodies to fight off these viral components. However, these vaccine viruses have been weakened so they won’t cause an infection. In the meantime, you can use OTC pain medications or an ice pack to ease pain and swelling at the injection site. Though influenza has taken a back seat to COVID-19 this year, the flu is scattered across the United States. It found that vaccination was associated with lower influenza-related hospital stays, ICU admissions, and deaths. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, serious side effects from the flu shot are very rare. However, your illness likely won’t be as severe as it would be if you hadn’t been vaccinated. All rights reserved. We break down all of the misconceptions surrounding the flu shot. Receiving a flu shot is especially crucial in groups that are at risk of serious illness or complications from the flu. Having a sore arm after getting the flu shot is very normal. The reason for this was because studies in children found that it was less effective than the flu shot for protecting against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza strains. The CDC currently recommends that all people 6 months and older be vaccinated for flu. The flu shot is usually injected into your upper arm, which is why the early immune response—and any pain—tends to be localized there. It’s a quick, relatively painless procedure. So make sure to sit down when you get vaccinated, because falling on the ground can hurt way more than a little pinch from the shot. Erythema Or Skin Redness 6. Everything You Need to Know About the Flu, While COVID-19 is Raging, Flu Cases Remain Unusually Low, Why Flu Cases are Down During a Massive Pandemic, FDA Issues Warning Over These Fake Flu Cures: What to Know, COVID-19 Safety Protocols Will Also Protect You from Colds, Flu, swelling, redness, or discoloration at the injection site. Like other types of injections, it’s possible that the flu shot may cause fainting, especially if you have a fear of needles and injections. Bruising 4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The most obvious factor is that the vaccine introduces a needle into the arm muscle and injects fluid into it. A 2017 research review investigated the effect of the flu vaccination on illness severity in adults. Muscle tissue, like that found in your arm, has a high concentration of blood vessels. Don't Be Worried if Your Arm Hurts After a Flu Shot. Your doctor sprays it into your nose. Flu Shot Arm Pain: Why It Happens and What It Means. Keep the arm moving after receiving the shot to increase blood flow and promote the dispersal of the vaccine in your body. "The flu shot is a shot in which a part of the flu virus, a foreign particle, is injected into the muscle in the upper arm to stimulate an immune response," explains Dr. Tatyana Morton, a CareMount Medical Internist. There are no…, New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that flu activity is low across the country. Itching 8. Like the flu shot, the nasal spray has some potential side effects. 1:57. The flu shot introduces influenza virus components into your body. Monoclonal antibodies against flu. Your vaccine will typically include four strains (quadrivalent), but may sometimes include three (trivalent). Like the flu shot, it also can cause mild side effects. Furthermore, overall flu…, The Food and Drug Administration released an advisory warning against fraudulent products that claim to prevent and cure the flu. Then, continue taking the medication, as directed, for one to two days following the vaccine. Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with the flu. One is related to the virus itself while another has to do with your level of immunity. These may include fever, tiredness and muscle aches. When they do occur, they can include: If you have a sore arm after getting the flu shot, you may want to try the following to help ease your symptoms. Intramuscular injections, like a flu shot or the COVID vaccine, these do hurt more because they’re going into your muscle, and so they’re obviously creating a little tiny tear in your muscle. While the flu vaccine won’t protect you from COVID-19, it can help prevent you from getting the flu. Follow. Additionally, a 2019 research review showed that the immunity provided by the flu shot decreases quickly over time. Irene's husband had a flu jab in his arm and complained that it felt tender and sore but thought it would ease. The flu and the common cold may seem very similar at first. Reactions At The Site Of The Injection While getting a vaccine is never much fun, the protection you receive from the flu shot will help keep your family and community healthy during a challenging flu season. One of these is a sore arm, which we’ll discuss in more detail in this article. A Fibrous Thickening Of The Skin Called Induration 3. 9 flu shot myths you should stop believing and spreading. The soreness or discomfort typically goes away after a few days. However, there have been recent advances in the production of the nasal spray vaccine. Data shows the flu is spreading in Texas…, Flu activity remains surprisingly low this year, largely in part to the safety precautions in place to prevent COVID-19. 5 months ago | 98 views. Influenza viruses are continually evolving throughout the year. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Try to relax the arm where you will get the shot. 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