- Common reactions
- 1. Headache, muscles and joints
- 2. Fever, chills and excessive sweating
- 3. Reactions at the site of administration
- Rare reactions
- 1. Serious allergic reactions
- 2. Neurological changes
- 3. Blood disorders
- 4. Vasculitis
The flu vaccine is generally well tolerated and the most common side effects, such as fever, muscle and headache, sweating and reactions at the injection site, are usually mild and transient, not a cause for concern.
However, severe allergic reactions or neurological changes, for example, although very rare, are cause for concern and require urgent medical assistance.
Common reactions
The most common reactions that can be caused by the flu vaccine are:
1. Headache, muscles and joints
Some people may experience fatigue, body pain and headaches, which can appear about 6 to 12 hours after vaccination.
What to do: If you experience these symptoms, if possible, you should rest and drink plenty of fluids. If the pain is severe, analgesics can be taken, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, for example.
2. Fever, chills and excessive sweating
Some people may experience fever and chills, and sweat more than normal, but they are usually transient symptoms, which appear 6 to 12 hours after vaccination, and disappear in about 2 days.
What to do: To relieve these symptoms, if it causes a lot of discomfort, the person can take painkillers and antipyretics, such as paracetamol or dipyrone, for example.
3. Reactions at the site of administration
One of the most common adverse reactions that can occur with the administration of the flu vaccine are reactions at the vaccine administration site, such as pain, erythema and induration at the application site.
What to do: To relieve pain, erythema and inflammation, ice should be applied to the area. If there are very extensive injuries or limited movement, see a doctor immediately.
Rare reactions
Although it is very rare, in some cases, the following adverse reactions may occur:
1. Serious allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction, which although rare, can occur in some people who receive the vaccine. Some of the characteristic symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are low blood pressure, shock and angioedema.
What to do: In view of these symptoms, you must urgently go to the medical emergency. Know what to do in case of anaphylactic shock.
2. Neurological changes
Neurological changes, such as encephalomyelitis, neuritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome are reactions that, although rare, are very serious. Find out what Guillain-Barré syndrome consists of.
What to do: These situations require urgent medical assistance, so if the person suspects that he is suffering from a neurological disorder, he should go to the doctor as soon as possible.
3. Blood disorders
Another side effect that can occur is a change in the blood or lymphatic system, such as a reduction in the number of platelets and swelling of the lymph nodes, which are usually transient symptoms.
What to do: These symptoms usually disappear within a few days. Otherwise, you should go to the doctor.
4. Vasculitis
Vasculitis is characterized by an inflammation of blood vessels, including those present in the kidneys, lungs and heart, affecting the functioning of these organs. The symptoms of vasculitis can vary depending on the type and severity, but they usually cause malaise, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.
What to do: If the aforementioned symptoms of vasculitis mentioned above manifest, you should immediately see a doctor.
