Flu season is here again, and it becomes important to do what you can to be prepared. According to doctors, the best way to protect against flu is to get a flu vaccine. However, it is understandable that you may have questions about the side effects of the flu vaccine when booking your vaccination.

In general, doctors say the side effects of the flu vaccine are pretty much similar to the side effects you can expect from any other vaccine. And if you’ve been vaccinated against the flu in the past, there’s a good chance you’ll experience a similar reaction (if any) this time around.

Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, M.D. professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York; William Schaffner, M.D. Infectious diseases specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Of course, the vaccine is different each year to target circulating strains. So, what are the side effects of the flu vaccine for 2024? Infectious disease doctors explain.

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine for 2024?

Doctors emphasize that the side effects of the flu vaccine are generally nothing to worry about. “Side effects are generally minor,” he says, if any William Schaffner, M.D. Infectious diseases specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), side effects may include:

The shot may also increase the risk of fainting in people who tend to faint as a result of the shot, according to the CDC. Still, Dr. “Most people have a sore arm and that’s it,” says Schaffner.

When will the side effects of the flu vaccine begin?

If the flu vaccine has side effects, they are likely to begin eight to 12 hours after vaccination, he says Thomas Russo, MD, He is a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo in New York.

“You can plan by anticipating side effects, so you don’t have to work or do anything important,” he says. However, if you have weekends off, he recommends planning to get your shot on Friday afternoon.

How long do side effects from the flu vaccine last?

Everyone is different, but Dr. Russo says side effects from the flu vaccine will usually last a day or two. (Again, if you have those.)

Can the flu vaccine cause flu?

No, the flu vaccine cannot cause flu. The flu vaccine contains either an inactivated virus (which means it is no longer infectious) or a particle designed to look like a flu virus to your immune system. HKM.

The nasal spray flu vaccine contains a live virus, but the viruses have been modified so they cannot give you the flu, according to the CDC.

When should I get the flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends getting a flu shot by Halloween, but if that doesn’t happen, don’t panic. Flu season is long, some seasons may be longer until mayThat’s why Dr. If you can’t take a break from Halloween, it’s still worth getting vaccinated, Russo says.

Can you take medicine before the flu shot?

If you tend to feel unwell after a flu shot, it would at least make sense to wonder if taking a medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the shot might help. However, Dr. Russo says there is “controversy” about this approach, noting that some in the medical community think it may affect your immune system’s response to the vaccine.

“Buying things in advance is not the best advice,” he says. To avoid taking risks, Dr. Russo recommends “seeing how things go” and then taking an OTC medication if you feel you need it.

Could you have an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine?

Yes, you can have an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. Dr. “But it’s relatively rare,” Russo says.

“If you have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, the best strategy is to consult an allergist who can evaluate the nature of this reaction,” he says. “Then you can share the decision-making process of whether you would be a good candidate.”

However, Dr. Russo also points out that side effects from the flu vaccine are not the same as having an allergic reaction. Dr. “Allergic reactions can include hives elsewhere, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a more severe reaction such as anaphylaxis,” says Russo.

How to treat flu show side effects

Again, most people who have side effects from the flu vaccine only have a sore arm. However, some people may have muscle aches, headaches or flu-like symptoms. If you fall into this camp, Dr. Russo says you can take over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

If you have arm pain, you can apply a cold compress to the area.

When to call a doctor about flu vaccine side effects?

If you have persistent pain, swelling, severe rash, or signs of an allergic reaction, Dr. Russo says you need to seek medical attention.

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