Welcome winters and…? We all know with the cold season just around the corner, one more thing prevails- the flu. With the onset of the cold season, the influenza virus gets activated only to affect millions and spoil the holiday plans. To avoid the same people run to get their annual vaccine shots but there is another catch!
With the influenza vaccination, all ready to protect you from the virus may have some side effects. Every treatment has one- and so does this vaccine. In this blog, we will explore some of the side effects of this medical intervention and how it may affect your overall well-being. We will also go through how common they are and how to manage them.
Common Side Effects
There are some of the common side effects, a person may encounter after getting vaccinated:
- Getting soreness at the injection site
We get the flu shot, it’s not just dusted. You might get an infection at the site of injection. It might look sore and red – which is completely normal for your body to respond. It is a way of dealing with a foreign substance and shouldn’t be worrisome. It is temporary and might last a day or two.
- Fever and fatigue
People might experience mild flu-like symptoms to help the body cope with the same. The fever and fatigue help your body to get ready for the bigger virus effect in the future. These symptoms are short and may go on for about a day.
- Muscle aches
These are some of the other potential side effects and can occur as a common immune response. These are also mild and might last for a day or two. You don’t have to worry about these aches. You might also experience a mild headache.
Rare Side Effects
There are many side effects that may not be common and depend on the following factors: genetics, lifestyle, and other age-related factors. It might also depend on your medical history. These are usually categorized as two- allergic reactions and guillain-barre syndrome.
- Allergic reactions
These reactions do not happen usually but might be one of the results of the flu. Extremely rare and the symptoms can include swelling, breathlessness, and hives. One should discuss with the medical healthcare professional if the allergy sustains.
- Guillain Barre syndrome
The GBS or the Guillain Barre syndrome is one of the rarest syndromes that one might get the injection. It is a disorder that attacks the immune system, directly the nerves. Although the risk is really low, it is a risk. There are many benefits of the vaccination and one should not ignore them for the sake of this syndrome.
Management Of Side Effects
One should make sure to manage these side effects. It’s important to keep things sorted and make sure your health is safe and good:
- Pain relievers
Make sure to keep yourself equipped with the acetaminophen or ibuprofen-type medications. These are the pain relievers or killers that can help you deal with muscle aches and headaches. One should make sure to get things done according to their health and get the recommended dosages accordingly.
- Hydration and rest
Make sure that you’re hydrated and rest abundantly. You have to make sure to drink as much water and fluids as possible. These might also include juices and other fluids. Your body will bounce back and be as good as before.
- Monitor your health
If you’ve breathing issues or other swelling on the face or throat, or have an increase in heart rate or some type of hives, make sure to get it checked and connect with a medical health professional.
Conclusion
Flu is a basic concern especially when the weather is changing. One should make sure to get fully vaccinated and get it all sorted before it’s too late. Do not worry about the symptoms and other allergic reactions that you may encounter. You’ll be able to manage everything like a pro when take the right medications and treatment on time. Make sure to validate the medical condition and make a proper prescription accordingly. Remember it is always better to make yourself safe than sorry!