Flu Shot Side Effects: What Symptoms to Expect From the Flu Shot (And How to Treat Them)

Getting a flu shot is an excellent way to protect both the person being vaccinated as well as the rest of the community. While the vaccine is more or less harmless, it's important to acknowledge that some may experience minor side effects after the injection. These side effects can be a bit of a headache (literally), especially for seniors. Here are the flu shot side effects to expect and how to treat them, as described by Healthline.

1. Headaches

As already mentioned, headaches are one of the more common side effects of the flu vaccine. While they aren't typically that serious, some people do report having more painful aches. This can also include body aches. The good news is that these symptoms tend to go away after a day or two.

2. Fever

After being vaccinated, it's not uncommon to experience minor flu-like symptoms. This includes a fever of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For most people, the fever should not get much higher than this, meaning it's of little concern. If it does start to climb and is not responsive to home treatments, however, consult a doctor just to be safe. Like the aches and pains, the fever should break after two days at most.

3. Fatigue

Like when you have the flu, the vaccine can cause general fatigue and dizziness. Like other side effects, this will last a couple of days at most. These symptoms are the worst in people who frequently get dizzy from taking their shots, so it's important for senior caretakers to be alert if this is true for their seniors. Depending on how fatigued and disoriented a person feels, they may need to take it easy while they ride out the side effects. If their symptoms are minor, though, they should be able to go about their days as normal.

Treating Flu Shot Side Effects at Home

At-home treatments for flu shot side effects are typically the easiest option. Unless symptoms are particularly severe, it's unlikely a senior will require serious care or a doctor's visit.

The best thing to do for someone experiencing flu shot side effects is to keep them hydrated. The immune system is particularly active after receiving a vaccine, so taking in fluids is a good way to keep the body in top form. Eating well is another good strategy for similar reasons, though depending on symptoms like fatigue, this may be a bit more difficult. If that's the case, try food that's easy to digest, particularly soups or broth.

For those experiencing a fever, a cold compress on the forehead can feel good. Medicines like ibuprofen can also help with pain, though it's worth noting that some studies contest the effectiveness of medication on flu vaccine symptoms.

Get Help From Senior Helpers Chicago/Evanston

Whether it's flu season or any other time of the year, caring for a senior is a full-time job in and of itself. For those in this position, it's not unreasonable to need some help sometimes. That's what Senior Helpers Chicago and Evanston are meant to do. We offer premium in-home care for seniors in Chicago, Evanston, and Cook County, IL. Get help and contact us today.