Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes life-threatening illness. As our community moves into the colder months, cases of flu get more prevalent and impact millions of people each year. The flu shot is the best defense that we have to protect ourselves and others from getting sick. However, everyone is affected differently– and in rare cases, some may experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

Allergic reactions to the flu shot are extremely uncommon, so it’s still important to get your annual flu shot unless your healthcare provider advises against it, depending on your medical history and current allergies. AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months gets the flu shot, with only a few rare exceptions. Here's what you need to know about whether or not you may be at risk for an allergic reaction to the flu shot.

Who should not get the flu shot?

Medical professionals suggest that you should not get the traditional flu shot if:

• You’re a child under six months of age.
• You’ve experienced severe allergic or life-threatening reactions to the flu vaccination in the past–  such as facial swelling, intense weakness, difficulty breathing or an abnormally fast heartbeat.
• You have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a reaction that causes complete or a partial loss of movement of muscles within six weeks of getting the flu shot.
• You’re allergic to eggs– because most flu shots contain egg products. But, there are types of flu vaccines that are egg-free. Confirm that all of your current allergies are mentioned to your provider.

Even if you don’t fit into one of these groups, it’s always important to be safe and talk to your healthcare provider for guidance before receiving your annual flu shot.

Signs of an allergic reaction to the flu shot

How can you tell if you’re experiencing common side-effects to the flu shot or an allergic reaction? The answer lies in the severity of the symptoms you’re experiencing after you receive the vaccine. It’s common to feel a sense of minimal arm swelling, soreness, and discomfort for a few days after the shot. But these symptoms simply mean that your body is building immunity to the virus, which is a good thing. In rare instances of allergic reactions, serious side effects may occur. In this case, medical attention from your healthcare provider is necessary.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include, but are not limited to:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness or wheezing
• Swelling around the eyes or lips
• Hives
• Paleness
• Weakness
• A fast heart beat or dizziness

Flu Shots at AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl

The benefits of getting the flu shot greatly outweigh the risks. If you don't get a flu shot, your chances of becoming seriously ill from the flu are much higher than your chances of having an allergic reaction to the vaccination. When you’re sick, AFC Urgent Care Ken Caryl is there. We’re open every day of the week, making weekend flu treatment accessible when you need it. If you have any questions about possible allergic reactions to flu vaccination, visit our urgent care center on a walk-in basis. Call now for more information at (720) 818-8010.