You may have side effects from the shot with mild symptoms such as headaches and a fever after the shot, but not an actual viral infection from the shot. The bottom line is that you do not get the flu, cold or any other virus from the flu shot. Regardless, I feel like blaming the flu shot (instead of my children) that I received two weeks ago because I have been feeling like garbage ever since. That afternoon, my arm felt like crap… I could barely carry my backpack without pain throbbing in my left arm. Within a few days I caught a caught that has been whooping my ass ever since.

I am taking the albuterol sulfate and advair for my asthma. A few nights ago I took Tylenol PM for my neck and shoulder pain. Tylenol PM, I love you. I really should take Nyquil gelcaps tonight to knock the cold out of my system. I think I have a few of those left. I am just tired of all of these damn medicines. Ugh… I forgot to take my vitamin today. What will happen if I take my vitamin late late late at night? Will I have trouble sleeping? I will find out and let you know.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu Vaccine:

Can I get a flu vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

According to the CDC, pregnant women and breastfeeding moms are among those recommended to get a flu vaccine. Pregnant women are at high risk of complications from the flu if they become ill during their pregnancy. A breastfeeding mom should be vaccinated so she does not pass along the illness to her baby.

I got the flu from the flu shot last time.

Flu vaccines CANNOT cause the flu. The viruses in flu vaccines are either killed or weakened. The vaccine works by priming your body’s defenses in case you are exposed to an actual flu virus. If you did get the flu after receiving the vaccination, there are several explanations:

• You may have been exposed to the flu virus shortly before being vaccinated or during the two-week period, it takes the body to gain the vaccine’s protective benefits.
• You may have been ill from other (non-flu) viruses, which can also cause flu-like symptoms (such as rhinovirus).
• You may have been exposed to a flu virus that is not included in the vaccine, as there are many different influenza viruses.

I’ve never gotten the flu and have never had a vaccination so I don’t need one.

Everyone needs a vaccination, especially those of us working in health care. Patient safety begins with immunizing ourselves. Studies have shown that in mild flu seasons, health care workers were infected with influenza, but were not sick enough to call off work. However, they were contagious and able to spread flu to their patients and coworkers.

I don’t consider the flu to be dangerous so I don’t need a shot.

Influenza can have serious medical complications leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths a year. Studies have consistently shown that vaccination is the best protection against the flu. As a health care provider, we must take precautions to ensure the safest work environment possible.

I don’t think flu vaccines really work.

The ability of the vaccine (both the flu shot and the nasal-spray) to protect depends on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine. It also depends on how closely “matched” the virus strains in the vaccine are with the virus going around.

When the vaccine strains and the virus strains are well-matched, it can reduce the chances of getting the flu by 88% in health care workers. It may be less effective in the elderly and very young children, but it can still prevent serious complications.

What are the side effects of the vaccine?

The side effects of the vaccine are minimal. Some people experience a sore arm that lasts a day or two, but does not prevent them from doing normal activities. Some people who are getting the vaccine for the first time may experience a mild fever and a few aches that last about 24 hours.

I get really anxious just thinking about shots. They don’t work anyway.

Flu vaccine is proven to reduce the incidence of flu in the community. For those who don’t want an injection, nasal sprays are available, if preferred.

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