The flu shot is quite an effective vaccination that is recommended by the CDC to the public. The flu effectiveness depends on your age and the time of year. Despite the benefits, millions of people dread the flu shot. From the long-wait times at your primary physician to the annoying arm ache comes along. If you've wondered why the flu shot is a general pain, this article explains why the flu shot causes various side effects, like muscle aches.
Avoid the long wait times and experience a smooth flu shot experience at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our walk-in clinic provides flu shots for the whole family– just walk-in today with no appointment necessary.
How does the flu shot work?
When you receive a flu shot, you receive a tiny dose of a dormant flu virus. After getting this shot, your body's immune system responds by producing antibodies. These antibodies are proteins that aid in fighting an infection. This will make you more immune and less prone to contracting the virus. However, it is possible to contract the flu even after receiving a vaccination. If an infection occurs, it will not be as severe nor will it last long. You can also receive flu vaccination nasally. The nasal flu vaccination is a little unusual as it contains a modified strain of the flu virus.
What are the side effects of a flu shot?
The following are typical reactions to receiving a flu vaccine:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle pain
- Fainting
Tips for relieving the muscle aches from a flu shot
The following are simple ways to relieve muscle aches after a flu shot.
Relax: Ensure you relax your arm while receiving the injection. Relaxing reduces the discomfort and injury that comes along with vaccination. As you relax your arm, it also relaxes your mind because anxiety can affect you. You can reduce anxiety by diverting your attention. A simple way to do so is to close your eyes or simply watch something.
Move around constantly: Ensure you move around constantly after the shot. You can perform exercises by lifting your arms repeatedly. We recommend the lateral deltoid lift, a simple exercise you might try to increase mobility. To perform a lateral deltoid lift, raise your hands to a shoulder level with your palms facing down. Then, raise your arms to the side. Do this repeatedly for at least two days.
Apply compression: Apply hot or cold compression to the injection spot. You can buy ice packs or hot pads at the store or make some at home. You can make a cold compression at home by wrapping ice cubes around a cloth.
Use medications: To help relieve the pain, take available over-the-counter medicine. We recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help minimize swelling and pain. You should also take these medications before your shot to induce an inflammatory and immunological response that reduces pain.
Get a Walk-in Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale
Do you still need your annual flu shot? Come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale for a walk-in flu shot! Our medical providers specialize in providing vaccinations for your entire family– making flu vaccination easier than ever. We’re open seven days a week and never require appointments beforehand. Just walk-in today!
