Stupid question re: flu shots

Posted By

Message

Member since 9/06

4074 total posts

Name:

Stupid question re: flu shots

Not sure if this even makes sense, but here it goes. I got my first flu shot yesterday...hurt like a beyotch, but no biggie. A few hours later I started getting a migraine (w/ out aura) that lasted through today (it was horrible did not get relief until around noon). Is there any possible connection? I am not trying to look for connections that do not exist, but I usually do not get them unless provoked. That was the only thing I have done differently. I am insanely anal about not eating anything w/ MSG. Do they have preservatives in the vaccine that may have caused it? Chat Icon

I don't think it would make me not get a shot in the future, but at least I could take a more proactive approach next time instead of suffering for over 24 hours.

Posted 11/15/07 10:09 PM

Forum Mail Edit Post Print Quote Reply

Long Island Weddings

Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource

JenG
Love my little boy!

Member since 6/05

2489 total posts

Name:
Jen

Re: Stupid question re: flu shots

i work in a hospital and get a flu shot every year. i was told by my docs that you cannot get sick from getting a flu shot. usually if you do come down with a cold or something after the shot, it's usually just a coincidence (like you were already coming down with something) and most people blame it on the shot. i have never gotten sick or a headache. don't know if i really answered your question Chat Icon

Posted 11/15/07 11:16 PM

Forum Mail Edit Post Print Quote Reply

princess99
LIF Adult

Member since 5/05

3944 total posts

Name:
ME

Re: Stupid question re: flu shots

I have gotten this twice. I am not sure and wonder what they use to preserve it too. feel better!

Posted 11/16/07 8:26 AM

Forum Mail Edit Post Print Quote Reply

Kara
Now Zagat Rated!

Member since 3/07

13217 total posts

Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"

Re: Stupid question re: flu shots

Posted by JenG

i work in a hospital and get a flu shot every year. i was told by my docs that you cannot get sick from getting a flu shot. usually if you do come down with a cold or something after the shot, it's usually just a coincidence (like you were already coming down with something) and most people blame it on the shot. i have never gotten sick or a headache. don't know if i really answered your question

That doesn't mean that you can't have a reaction to the vaccine or the excipients in the vaccine. A headache / migraine could absolutely be a reaction to the shot. Everyone reacts differently to these things.

By saying you can't get sick from the vaccine, all doctors are saying is that you cannot get that particular strain of the flu that is in the vaccine b/c it is a killed vaccine. That doesn't mean there aren't any side effects to the shot (and it doesn't mean you cannot get other strains of the flu after getting a flu vaccine).

It's perfectly possible that the headache from the shot.

Posted 11/16/07 8:30 AM

Forum Mail Edit Post Print Quote Reply

GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!

Member since 11/06

26792 total posts

Name:
Shawn

Re: Stupid question re: flu shots

Typical reaction is just soreness at the injection site. It's a dead virus, so there really shouldn't be any reactions. You could have an allergy, though.

This is what I found for kids, but the symptoms are probably similar if you have an allergy.

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-shots-for-children-under-2?page=2

Side Effects of Flu Shots for Children

The side effects from flu shots for children are mild. They include:

* Redness or soreness at the site of the injection
* Low-grade fever
* Aches

Remember that flu shots for children cannot give your child the flu. More serious side effects are very rare.

Allergic reactions are a risk with any medicine. Signs of allergic reaction to a flu vaccine include:

* Trouble breathing
* Hives
* Paleness
* Weakness
* Fast heartbeat
* Dizziness

If you see any of these signs, get emergency help.