Flu Injection Side Effects

The flu injection, which contains an inactive virus, helps protect against three types of influenza virus including "one A (H3N2) virus, one regular seasonal A (H1N1) virus (not the 2009 H1N1 virus), and one B virus" states the Centers for Disease Control.

Side Effects

• Although the flu vaccine does not actually give a person the flu since it contains a killed form of the virus, side effects still include soreness or swelling at the site of shot, low grade fever and aches. These symptoms typically only last one to two days.

What to Do

• In the event of a severe reaction to the flu shot such as a high fever, unusual behavior changes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, weakness or dizziness, you should contact your doctor immediately, record the time of the event and file a report at www.vaers.hhs.gov.

Considerations

• Take into consideration, as with any vaccine, the flu injection can cause serious problems on rare occasions. These serious side effects generally include an allergic reaction to the shot which can be extreme.

Risk Factors

• People at risk from the flu shot include those who are under 6 months old, people who have a prior history of an allergic reaction to the shot and those who are allergic to chicken eggs since most vaccines are manufactured in chicken eggs.

Historical Fact

• According to www.heartspring.net "in 1976, a type of influenza (swine flu) vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome." Vaccines today are not associated with GBS. GBS is a disease that causes damage to the body's nerve cells.