Flu Shot Symptoms

The flu vaccine contains small amounts of dead influenza virus. Once it is injected into the body, it stimulates the body's immune response by recognizing the virus. Your body then prepares antibodies. There may be some minor symptoms as a result of the shot. Very rarely do major symptoms occur.

General Symptoms

• Most symptoms will include soreness at the injection site, muscle aches, a mild fever and general malaise. The symptoms may last from one to two days.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• In rare instances, people who've received a flu shot develop GBS (where the body's immune system attacks the nervous system). Symptoms will start with weakness, tingling of lower extremities, difficulty breathing, paralysis and fever.

Allergic Reactions

• People who are allergic to egg whites will often times have a response to the shot. Symptoms may be appear as hives or rashes on the body.

Severe Reactions

• Severe reactions are very rare with the flu shot. They may be asthma-like symptoms (such as wheezing or gasping), a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or hives.

Reality

• Most people who receive the flu shot are unlikely to develop symptoms at all.

Compensation

• If you ever receive a flu shot and end up experiencing an adverse reaction, go to an emergency room immediately. You can then file a report using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System and a federal program will compensate you for your care.