Side effects of the flu shot 2021: what is normal and what is worrying

The coronavirus is still a very real concern this fall, but the flu virus, aka the flu. The good news is that we have very safe and effective tools to fight and prevent the two potentially deadly viruses, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu shot.

According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and one of the best ways to avoid catching and spreading the flu to others. And people who get vaccinated and get sick anyway often experience less severe symptoms. If you are planning to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC says it is safe to receive both vaccines together (this includes COVID-19 Boosters).

The point is, flu shots can save lives. There is a lot of flu vaccine myths, like the idea that it can give you the flu. Although this is not true, you may experience some side effects from the flu shot. The side effects are usually mild and not to worry about, but it is important to know them so that you do not worry when you get your vaccine.

Below, Dr Carmen Teague, medical director specializing in Health AtriumMecklenburg’s Medical Group shares what you need to know about common side effects from the flu shot that are normal, and which side effects could be a sign of something more serious.

Read more: Do you need a flu shot if you’ve had a COVID vaccine?

Common side effects of the flu shot

Repeat: The flu shot will not give you the flu, but you may experience mild symptoms due to the way the vaccine works.

“The flu shot is designed to stimulate your immune system to make antibodies against the virus. This stimulation can cause a slight fever, decreased appetite, loose stools, mild fatigue, or myalgia (muscle pain). and even a weak cough, ”says Teague.

According to Teague, these symptoms usually go away after a few days and are not alarming. You may also feel redness, swelling, or pain where the vaccine was injected, which is also normal.

CDC says you may experience ‘flu-like’ symptoms after receiving the vaccine, such as:

• Pain, redness and / or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Muscle aches

The symptoms listed above should go away within a few days. Also, keep in mind that not everyone has symptoms, but they 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 another virus right after getting the flu shot.

So if you have other flu-like symptoms it could be another illness and that doesn’t mean the vaccine made you sick. The flu shot also takes about two weeks to become effective in protecting you from the flu, so you could technically get the flu within that two week window.

Signs of a more serious (but rare) reaction

“A very small percentage of people may have a true allergic reaction to the vaccine, including chest tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face or throat, and redness of the eyes,” says Teague. If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Teague says severe allergic reactions usually occur a few hours after the flu shot.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction, depending on the CDC, may include:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Swelling around the eyes or lips
• Urticaria
• Pallor
• Weakness
• Fast heartbeat or dizziness

Another possible reaction is infection where the vaccine was given. “Patients can also develop an infection at the injection site, which manifests as worsening redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness,” says Teague. You should also see a doctor immediately for this type of reaction. (If you are unsure if this is a common and harmless side effect of redness and swelling or infection, see a doctor.)

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have about a health problem or health goals.