{"id":251034,"date":"2025-09-18T12:41:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T12:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=251034"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:57:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:57:41","slug":"vaccine-flu-shot-side-effects-duration-common-reactions-ways-to-feel-better","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/vaccine-flu-shot-side-effects-duration-common-reactions-ways-to-feel-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Flu Shot Side Effects: Duration, Common Reactions & Ways to Feel Better"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Types of Flu Vaccines<\/a><\/li>
How to Prepare for the Flu Shot?<\/a><\/li>
What to Expect After Getting the Flu Shot?<\/a><\/li>
Most Common Side Effects<\/a><\/li>
Serious Side Effects<\/a><\/li>
Can You Get the Flu from the Flu Shot?<\/a><\/li>
How Long Do Side Effects Last?<\/a><\/li>
Managing Flu Shot Side Effects<\/a><\/li>
Should You Get the Flu Shot Even with Possible Side Effects?<\/a><\/li>
When to Talk to Your Doctor?<\/a><\/li>
Conclusion<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFlu or influenza is an infection caused by influenza viruses, typically the A, and B types. Influenza spreads easily and can affect people of any age, from children to the elderly ^{1<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{2<\/sup><\/a>.^{\u00a0 <\/sup>While most of them recover within a few days, uncomplicated flu takes about 5\u20137 days to resolve, and tiredness or cough can last up to 2 weeks}}^{3<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
Sometimes flu can lead to serious problems like pneumonia (directly caused by the flu, or by superimposed bacterial infection) and worsening of diseases like asthma, diabetes, and heart problems. Every year, millions of people get affected by flu worldwide, with many even needing hospital admission. Taking a flu shot is the most effective way to lower this risk. It not only helps prevent flu infection but also reduces the risk of complications and hospitalisation ^{4<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{5<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
While the benefits of the flu shot are clear, some people worry about what happens after the flu shot and whether they will get side effects. Like any vaccine, the flu shot may cause some side effects, but they are mostly mild and short-term ^{6<\/sup><\/a>. In this blog, let\u2019s see what the flu shot side effects are, how long they last, and simple ways to feel better. <\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>Types of Flu Vaccines<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThere are three main types of influenza vaccines: the inactivated influenza vaccine<\/a><\/strong>, the live attenuated influenza vaccine and the recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). The inactivated vaccine contains killed viruses and is given as an injection. The live attenuated vaccine is made from weakened viruses and is available as a nasal spray ^{1<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{7<\/sup><\/a>. Recombinant vaccines, such as FluBlok, are newer vaccines made without using the flu virus or eggs, especially for people with egg allergies. These are available in some countries but are not common in India.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
In India, the commonly used form is the inactivated influenza vaccine, which is administered as an injection into the arm muscle in adults, and into the thigh muscle in infants ^{1<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{7<\/sup><\/a>. It is recommended for people at higher risk, such as children aged six months and older, adults over 65 years, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and people with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease}^{1<\/sup><\/a>.^{<\/sup>It is not recommended for all adults, unlike in some countries such as the US, where}}vaccination<\/a><\/strong> is advised for everyone ^{4<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
<\/span>How to Prepare for the Flu Shot?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen you get the flu shot, your body\u2019s immune system is activated to produce protective antibodies against the flu virus. The antibodies are developed within 2 weeks after you get your flu shot. These antibodies are mainly responsible for the effectiveness of vaccines and protect children and adults from severe infection. When you get infected with flu, your body also produces antibodies, but this protection works only against the same type of flu and slowly fades away, especially because the flu virus keeps changing its form. In the same way, the antibodies produced by the vaccine gradually decline over time ^{4<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{9<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0Therefore, it is recommended to get your flu shot yearly once before the flu season to protect yourself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n}
You can prepare yourself by following these simple things before you get a flu shot:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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You need to bring your vaccination card each time you come for getting a vaccine ^{10<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
Before taking the vaccine, you can go through the vaccine information file given by your doctor and know the benefits and risks of getting this vaccine. Ask any questions if you have doubts.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ensure you have your ID card and other related hospital documents for getting the vaccine ^{11<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{12<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
You need to share details about your health problems, the medicines you are taking, if you have a severe allergy to any previous influenza vaccine or its ingredients, if you have a history of Guillain-Barr\u00e9 syndrome (GBS), a rare condition affecting the nerves and causing weakness, or if you are not feeling well on the day of vaccination ^{6<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
Wear loose and comfortable clothes so you can roll it up easily and the flu shot can be given in your upper arm.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
After getting the flu shot, you will be observed for 15 to 30 minutes to check if you have any fainting or major reactions, so prepare accordingly ^{7<\/sup><\/a>^,<\/sup>}^{1<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
Check with your doctor if other vaccines can be taken together with the flu shot, as some vaccinations may be safely combined in the same visit ^{13<\/sup><\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>}
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