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Can you gat sick from the flu vaccine?
You can't get the flu from a flu vaccine. But sometimes people do get sick shortly after getting a flu shot and assume that the shot was the culprit. Keep in mind that at this time of year, people are often worn down and also there are a lot of bugs circulating in the air. But don't blame the flu shot!
I got a flu shot on Friday and Saturday I felt like I was coming down with the flu. Today and I am really sick with the flu. Could I have already had something before I got the flu shot or did I get sick from the flu shot. If I already had something before I got the flu shot, how dangerous is it to me?
You cannot get the flu from a flu shot, as they use dead virus in the flu vaccine. But it IS possible that you could have already been exposed to the flu and got the flu shot too late to build immunity (it takes about 2 weeks after a shot to build up full immunity).
However, it is awfully early to be getting the flu. Flu season generally doesn't start till late fall and peaks during the early to mid-winter most years. So I think it's more likely you have some sort of other illness. Perhaps it is the common cold, which can share some of the symptoms of flu, though usually they are milder.
Bottom line... drink lots of fluids, get rest and monitor your temperature. If you don't feel better soon or if you start running a high fever, then you should definitely think about calling your doctor.
Feel better,
Kathi
I am told that I can not get a flu jab this year without the swine flu vaccine being included I have respiratory problems and in my seventies can I get a basic flu jab? I would like a jab without swine flu please
Hi Geezer... This year, the CDC is recommending that EVERYONE aged 6 months or older get the flu vaccine. Since the vaccine does include the swine flu AND seasonal flu vaccine, and those are the recommendations, there should be no reason why you should not get a flu shot this year... and every year.
But if you still have doubts, then by all means, speak with your personal physician about them, OK?
I was told that if you've had a fever recently, you should wait a while before getting a flu shot. I have a sinus infection that I'm on azithromycin for, and I was feverish yesterday. Assuming my fever doesn't return, how long should I wait before getting my flu shot?
On a related note, if my asthma flares up, should I wait until I'm under control again before I get the shot, since I usually have a mild flare-up after a flu shot?
As you know, it is definitely not recommended to get a flu shot if you have a fever. However, I have not been able to find any specific recommendations regarding how long you need to wait once you no longer have a fever. I would probably wait a day or two, monitoring your temperature at least a couple of times a day, of being totally fever-free before getting the flu shot. But if you want a more specific recommendation on that, then I'd ask your doctor... or at least a pharmacist.
As for getting one while in the midst of an asthma flare, yes, I'd probably wait. Better to get your asthma under control before subjecting your body to any other kind of stress, if you can.
We went to get flu vaccines for the family and a new nurse almost gave my 1 year old daughter too much vaccine. I happened to ask before the shot was given "When do we come back for the second dose?" She was clueless, went out and asked another nurse, came back in and shot half of the vaccine in the sink. What could've happened if the nurse had given too much?
Probably nothing too terrible would have happened, except that the dose probably wouldn't have produced the expected immunity. But it's still scary to think that the nurse didn't know about dividing doses in young children!
Although I started and ran a very successful community flu immunization program in NJ back in the 90s, I would advise people to carefully evaluate the nurses running clinics where you go. Most "community" flu clinics these days are run by for profit organizations and I'm not sure they screen and train the nurses who work for them very well. I could be wrong, but your experience certainly makes me wonder!
Is it required to aspirate when administering a flu vaccine IM in the Deltoid? This issue seems to be controversial.....to aspirate or not to aspirate. What are the CDC recommendations?
Thanks
Hi Debbie... From what I have read, aspiration is not necessary for a flu vaccine as it is not being injected into an area where there are large blood vessels. I couldn't find a direct quote for this on the CDC website itself, but I did find a slide presentation (which you'll need PowerPoint or Open Office Impress to open) that says "Aspiration is NOT required." (slide 21)
Hope this helps...
Last year I received the flu vaccine and had what I thought was a horrible reaction. About 3 hours after the shot, I began vomitting every 5-10 minutes and was extremely dizzy. I could not drive home from work because of it - stayed at a family's house. Also, I heard later, that a friend's mother had the exact same problem after she received the shot. Could this have been a reaction?
What will happen if i get a flu shot and I have MRSA... I got a flu shot yesterday and today I have flu like symptoms
It is not recommended to get a flu shot if you have any kind of active infection, so I am a bit mystified as to why you got one if you have MRSA. You should have been screened for infection during the prep process. Did you forget to mention your MRSA?
If you do have symptoms that seem severe after a flu shot, then never hesitate to call your doctor!
Best,
Kathi
The flu vaccine does wane in effectiveness as the months go on, you are right. Peak flu season is January through March most years and it takes about 6 weeks after your immunization to reach full antibody levels. So timing can sometimes be a bit delicate, since we never know for sure when the flu will start hitting an area.
Still, most experts recommend late October as the best time to think about getting your flu shot. I saw flu shots being advertised here in Boise, Idaho at the end of August this year, which was just ludicrous!
Stay healthy,
Kathi
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Can pregnant women be around children who have received the flumist vaccine?
I would guess there is some risk with this, but I think this question is best posed to your own obstetrician, who knows your medical history, etc.
Best,
Kathi