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Is It Risky to Get a Flu Shot While Sick?

December 8, 2024

Provider giving a female patient a flu shot while the patient wears a mask

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming, especially during November and December. Between snagging ingredients at Food Lion and stopping by Flowers Plus for a holiday bouquet, your to-do list grows longer every day. You’ve been meaning to get your flu shot, but a runny nose and a little fatigue made you pause. AFC can guide you in deciding whether now’s the right time to get vaccinated and answer any questions you have.

Here’s the bottom line: the flu vaccine won’t cause the flu. Even if you’re feeling slightly under the weather, it’s usually safe to get it. The vaccine introduces inactivated flu viruses to train your immune system, so if you encounter influenza later, your body will already be prepared to fight it off, reducing the risk of serious symptoms.

Visit AFC Monroe Rd for a flu shot or rapid flu test today.

How Does the Flu Shot Work?

The flu is a potentially dangerous illness that can lead to serious health issues. At AFC Monroe Rd, we encourage everyone 6 months and older to get a seasonal flu shot. Flu vaccines are updated each year to address the season’s most common strains. Many are “trivalent,” designed to protect against three specific flu viruses: influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2), and influenza B/Victoria.

By getting vaccinated, you’re not only reducing your chances of catching the flu but also protecting yourself from severe complications like hospitalizations or worse. Even if you do come down with the flu, the vaccine helps reduce the severity of symptoms.

The flu shot works by prompting your immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies develop about two weeks after vaccination and prepare your body to fight the flu. That’s why getting vaccinated early in the season is your best bet for staying healthy.

Should You Wait to Get a Flu Shot?

Sometimes it’s better to wait on your flu shot, especially if your body needs time to recover. You may want to delay if you’re experiencing:

  • An illness severe enough to keep you home from work
  • A fever
  • A COVID-19 infection
  • A desire to avoid dealing with vaccine and illness symptoms at the same time

Don’t stress—rescheduling is easy. AFC and many other clinics offer walk-in flu shots with no appointment required.

When to get a flu shot:

Feel free to get a flu shot if you are experiencing:

  • Mild illness or cold
  • Sniffles
  • A sore throat
  • A headache

Make sure to wear a mask and take normal sickness precautions.

Possible flu shot symptoms

Some side effects of a flu shot can be:

  • Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
  • Headache
  • Fever/low-grade fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Wheezing

These symptoms are usually mild and will last for a short time, most often for 24 to 48 hours. If you are experiencing long-term or severe symptoms, visit AFC Monroe Rd for quick and effective care.

Why You Might Still Get Sick After a Flu Shot

While the flu shot is highly effective, it’s still possible to get sick after vaccination for these reasons:

  • Exposure to the flu before your body had time to build immunity (about two weeks after the shot).
  • Infection with a flu strain not included in the vaccine.
  • A rare reaction to the vaccine that might lower your immunity temporarily.

If you come down with the flu, focus on recovery by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking antiviral medication as prescribed. AFC offers flu testingflu shots, and checkups to support you through flu season.

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Call (704) 337-0133 for more information about our Monroe Rd urgent care services.