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Every year, millions of people in the UK contract the flu virus. Common symptoms of this respiratory illness include a high temperature, sore throat, and muscle aches. To minimise the effects of these symptoms, it is recommended you get the flu jab each year. The flu jab protects you from most common types of the flu virus, but what are the side effects of the flu vaccine? In this guide, we discuss the potential side effects of the flu vaccine and why it is still vital you get your flu jab each year.
The flu vaccine helps minimise the effects of the flu virus, which can be a severe illness. This is why, each year, people of high risk are invited for the flu jab starting from September/October. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to work, so you must get it as early as possible before the flu season. You must get the flu jab annually as the flu virus changes, causing a new strain each year. Your protection against the flu also wanes as time goes on, so it is crucial to boost your immunity.
In the UK, the flu vaccine does not contain a live flu virus sample. This means the flu virus in the vaccine is inactive or dead. You cannot get the flu from the flu jab; this is a myth.
People of high risk are commonly classed as:
However, some conditions mean you cannot receive the flu vaccine. This includes if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine before or if you have an egg allergy. You should inform the person vaccinating you of egg allergies, as some vaccines contain egg protein.
It is important to note that side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and severe side effects are extremely rare. Common side effects include:
These side effects are moderate and should only last a few days. If your symptoms last longer than a week, it may be the case that you have a cold. If you are concerned, contact your doctor for advice.
Children of primary and secondary school age can get the flu vaccine, usually distributed through a nasal spray rather than the flu injection. This form of the vaccine contains a live, weakened version of the flu virus, as it is a more effective way for children to receive protection. However, if your child cannot receive the nasal spray, they can get the injection instead, so you don’t need to worry.
As with any medication and vaccinations, the nasal spray can also cause mild side effects. These include:
Pregnant women are eligible for the flu vaccine as they are classed as high risk. The flu virus can cause harm to an unborn baby, so it is crucial to get the flu vaccine if you can. The immunity from the flu vaccine is passed onto the baby, meaning the baby will also have immunity for the first few months of their lives when they are born.
It is important to take care of your health during this flu season. If you experience any side effects from the flu jab, we have a range of medications, such as paracetamol, to help you get back on your feet. Additionally, if you catch the flu and need some advice, our influenza (flu) guide can give you more information. Protect yourself this winter with the help of Home Health.
Side effects of the flu jab are often mild and only last a few days. Common side effects include:
Only in rare cases would you have an extreme side effect of the flu vaccine. This could be in the form of an allergic reaction. You don’t need to worry, however, as there is a minimal chance of this, and the person giving you your injection will be trained to deal with these kinds of situations.
Within the first few days of receiving the flu jab, you may experience some side effects, but there is also a chance you won’t experience any side effects at all. You don’t need to worry about these side effects as they are mild and can be easily treated using paracetamol or ibuprofen. These side effects can also go away by themselves within a few days.
It is entirely normal to feel unwell after a flu vaccine. This is because your body responds to the vaccine and displays how it would react if the flu virus infected you. The side effects you may be experiencing are mild to the symptoms you would have when contracting the flu virus.
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