Can you get sick after getting a flu shot?

Why do people get sick after vaccination?

If the disease appears later than 2 days from the moment the vaccine was given, then it is definitely an infection. If flu symptoms appear within 7-14 days after vaccination given to a child or adult, this indicates that medical recommendations were ignored.

After any vaccination, it takes time to develop immunity to the pathogen. At this time, you need to be careful, avoiding contact with sick people (this is how people become infected most often). Immediately after vaccination, the immune system is “overloaded” with antigens, so it may not adequately cope with harmful microorganisms coming from outside, which can result in unpleasant symptoms.

Most often, after 2 weeks after vaccination, people get sick for the following reasons:

• the drug had low immunogenicity;
• low quality vaccine (expired, counterfeit);
• the medication was manufactured about a year ago, the tension of the immune system subsided;
• the vaccine strain did not match the type of influenza virus.

Vaccination provides protection only against, for example, influenza, but not against other acute respiratory viral infections. For example, a sore throat is not always a symptom of the flu; it may be a simple cold or another infection.

People who get the flu have an increased risk of developing a first myocardial infarction

The risk increases by 4.95 times in the first 1-3 days of the disease. Even 29-90 days after influenza, the risk is increased by 1.4 times.

People with the flu have an increased risk of stroke

The risk increases by 3.19 times in the first 1-3 days of the disease. Even 29-91 days after influenza, the risk is increased by 1.33 times.

The flu can make you, your children, and your parents really sick.

Flu usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, feeling tired, sore throat, cough and body aches. Some people say, “I feel like I was run over by a truck!”

Symptoms may also not be as pronounced. Regardless, when the flu hits your family, the result is a loss of time regarding work, school, and leisure plans.

Is it true that influenza is a serious problem in children?

Yes. Infants and young children are at high risk of developing severe forms of influenza, as well as complications such as otitis media, croup, and pneumonia.

That's why health experts recommend that all children 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every fall and winter.

Possible consequences of vaccination

After vaccination, allergies may appear and blood composition may change. Often the throat hurts for a short time, a cough and runny nose appear.

Vaccination can lead to the following negative consequences:

• inflammatory process in the injection area;
• itching and rash;
• slight enlargement of lymph nodes;
• dizziness;
• short fainting spells;
• cold extremities;
• sleep disturbance.

Children often develop a slight fever, loss of appetite, headaches, and redness at the injection site.

After vaccination, the following negative manifestations were recorded in patients of different ages:

• convulsions;
• anaphylactic shock;
• heart principles;
• muscle pain;
• inflammation of the vascular walls;
• partial hearing loss.

A sharp deterioration in health is a complication. A slight increase in temperature should not be scary - this is a normal reaction of the body to the vaccine.

Situations where a person becomes seriously ill after immunization practically never occur. The main thing is that there is no natural intolerance to the drug.

Illness or post-vaccination reaction

To understand why a person got sick despite being vaccinated, you need to figure out whether he is sick. Symptoms of ARVI do not always indicate the presence of the disease.

The instructions for vaccine preparations state that the presence of mild manifestations of poisoning (headache, body aches), slightly elevated body temperature (no more than 37.5 ° C), slight nasal congestion or sore throat in the first 2 days after vaccination is Fine.

This is a reaction of the immune system, which has entered into a fight against foreign antigens.

However, if a child has been vaccinated against the flu and has a sore throat or nasal discharge the next day, such symptoms should not be immediately attributed to a post-vaccination reaction, especially if there has been contact with sick people. In order not to miss a dangerous disease, it is better to consult a doctor so that he can make a diagnosis.

How long does it take to get sick?

You can only get sick immediately after vaccination if the person was in an epidemic zone or was not completely healthy at the time of vaccination. After a couple of days or a week, those who ignored preventive measures get sick with the flu.

Flu is one of the common infections during the cold season. The disease can be dangerous and reach epidemic levels. Vaccines have been developed to prevent infection and reduce the development of complications of infection. Often after a flu shot, a cough, runny nose and other signs of a viral infection appear. Knowing how to avoid the development of complications after vaccination, you can ensure good health and reliable protection.

Are there any contraindications to physical activity on the day of vaccination?

There are no evidence-based recommendations for limiting physical activity for adults or children after vaccination. Occasionally, there is a general reaction after vaccination in the form of malaise; if it occurs, you need to rest. There are no other reasons to limit physical activity after vaccination.

Can you get the flu from the vaccine?

This is impossible.

It is impossible, even theoretically, to get the flu due to the administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine.

The vaccine cannot cause the flu, because... does not contain the influenza virus, but contains several individual particles of the killed virus. These particles cannot turn into the influenza virus and cannot cause the flu.

Normal reaction to the flu shot

Any vaccination can be accompanied by serious complications for the body. Some cannot be prevented because they are individual in nature.

Local reactions to vaccination include manifestations that appear in the area where the vaccine was administered. They occur on the first day after the procedure, as a rule, they are redness and tissue infiltration, and possible pain. Local reactions can last for 2–3 days and do not cause significant concern in humans.

Common body reactions to the use of a vaccine include:

• An increase in body temperature to 37.5 °C is an adequate response to the introduction of a foreign protein into the body. Low-grade fever is necessary for the development of protective immune cells against the influenza virus.
• Cough after vaccination. A slight cough, sore throat and runny nose are allowed.

If general reactions to the drug do not disappear 4–5 days after immunization, another disease may have developed due to a weakening of the body’s defenses. In this case, you should see a doctor immediately.

Does the pneumococcal vaccine replace the flu vaccine?

No.

Vaccination against pneumococcal disease does not replace the flu shot.

Pneumococcal infection (pneumonia in children and adults, otitis media in children) is the most common and often severe complication of influenza. This infection is caused by the bacteria pneumococcus (Str. pneumoniae). Influenza is caused by influenza viruses. It is not possible to protect against influenza viruses with a vaccine against the pneumococcal bacterium.

If necessary, these vaccines can be given on the same day (in different arms).

Coadministration of vaccines is a standard safe practice that reduces the incidence of post-vaccination reactions.

If it is not possible to administer at the same time, the anti-pneumococcal vaccination can be administered one month after the influenza vaccination.

The child is not 6 months old, it is too early to vaccinate against the flu. Is it possible to vaccinate a nursing mother and other close household members against the flu?

Yes, you can. Lactation is not a contraindication to vaccination in general, with any vaccines (live or inactivated).

Vaccination of close contacts, if there is a child in the family who has not reached the vaccination age, or a sick person who has contraindications to vaccination, is called the “cocoon strategy” and is widely used in developed countries.

Can a cough occur after vaccination?

A slight cough after vaccination should not instill fear, but if on the third or fourth day a dry, intense cough occurs, then they speak of a complication that has arisen. This condition is usually accompanied by fever, weakness, chills, sweating, muscle and bone pain. In addition to coughing, other serious complications are also possible: anaphylactic shock, convulsions, partial hearing loss, vasculitis.

In such circumstances you should know:

• the influenza vaccine does not protect against other infectious pathologies;
• the disease can be caused by a strain of influenza whose components were not present in the vaccine;
• in parallel, it is necessary to follow other rules for preventing infection with colds;
• the appearance of a cough may be a consequence of infection with some pathogen earlier, and the vaccination only contributed to a decrease in immunity and a clear clinical picture;
• the occurrence of clinical symptoms of a cold after a few weeks cannot be associated with the use of the vaccine;
• the use of an immunodrug in violation of the administration method increases the risk of developing undesirable consequences.

In such situations, it is possible to develop diseases similar to complications after the flu - sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, myocarditis and meningitis.

Cough elimination

The appearance of a severe cough from vaccination requires urgent medical attention for the patient.

First of all, the following must be observed:

• It is recommended to rest and spend more time lying in bed;
• It is important to drink plenty of warm drinks (up to 2 liters per day), compotes from fresh berries and dried fruits, still mineral water, milk and fermented milk products are preferred;
• you need a nutritious diet with enough meat, vegetables and fruits;
• The room should be cleaned with ventilation every 1.5–2 hours and air humidification;
• it is necessary to get rid of harmful habits during the period of illness - smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages;
• exclude hypothermia and stressful situations.

Etiological, pathogenetic and symptomatic drug therapy for cough is prescribed:

• With the development of influenza infection, the prescription of antiviral drugs is indicated - Grippferon, Kipferon, Kagocel, Tsitovir, Remantadine, Tamiflu.
• When a cough is provoked by a bacterial infection, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs is indicated: cephalosporins (Cefazolin, Cefuroxime), macrolides (Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin), fluoroquinolones (Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin), aminoglycosides (Amikacin).
• For viscous sputum, expectorant medications are used - Mucaltin, Ambroxol, Fluditek, Lazolvan. It is preferable for children to use herbal products (syrups Gedelix, Stoptussin, Gerbion, Bronchicum).
• Antipyretic medications for fever - Paracetamol, Upsarin Upsa, Ibuprofen, Nurofen. Children are prescribed Panadol, Efferalgan, Cefekon in rectal suppositories.

Non-drug methods

They can also be used in the treatment of cough after vaccination. The easiest way is to breathe over steam from a pan of boiled water with the addition of chamomile, coltsfoot, sage or linden. Use a nebulizer effectively.

Physiotherapeutic techniques used for cough:

• thermal treatments with paraffin, mud therapy and clay;
• inductothermy in the interscapular zone;
• UHF and UV chest methods;
• magnetic therapy;
• medicinal electrophoresis.

The patient’s condition will be improved by performing breathing exercises, which prevent the development of congestion in the lungs and promote the rapid evacuation of sputum. To do this, inhale, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 4-5 times a day for 5-6 minutes.

Putting a person in a drainage position when coughing will help clear the airways of mucus. To do this, the head end of the body must be positioned below the foot end.

Massage therapy will also complement traditional cough therapy after a flu shot.

How to prevent side effects

First of all, preventive measures concern medical personnel. Only specially trained nurses and doctors are allowed to vaccinate in the treatment room of a clinic, school, first aid station, or health center. The immunodrug is transported and stored in compliance with all conditions.

It is important to correctly assess the indications and contraindications for prescribing an anti-flu drug. If the procedure is planned for a child, parents have the right to write a refusal to vaccinate for personal reasons.

If vaccination is still carried out, it is necessary to prepare for the procedure to avoid coughing and runny nose:

• a urine and peripheral blood test is prescribed to exclude an inflammatory process in the body;
• if there is a history of anaphylaxis (an acute allergic reaction to something with the development of shock, angioedema or urticaria), consultation with an allergist or immunologist is recommended;
• for prevention, it is recommended to take antihistamines three days before vaccination;
• before and after vaccination, you should protect yourself from hypothermia, do not go hungry, and avoid long walks;
• young children are prohibited from using new complementary foods and foods in the coming days before and after immunization;
• after the direct administration of the drug, you should not go home for 30–40 minutes; it is better to stay under the vaccination cabinet during this time in order to call doctors for help at any time;
• it is necessary to monitor changes in the condition during the first 3–4 days after vaccination; the parent needs to monitor the child and measure his body temperature.

Vaccination Information

At this point, scientists have adopted a lot of vaccines, with the help of which they are able to fight various severe infections and viruses in many countries of the planet. The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to pathogenic bacteria; after the injection, the process of forming antibodies begins and the person becomes immune. The only disadvantage of this form of immunity formation is that it is impossible to prepare the body to protect against several diseases at once with one injection.

Based on this, in order to develop immunity to each disease, you have to inject yourself separately - you need to be vaccinated every time, against each disease separately.

At the same time, you need to understand that despite diseases that are dangerous and fatal to humans, vaccination is carried out only against some of the ordinary diseases that are often encountered in everyday life. For example, if a child lives in a temperate climate zone, then in principle it makes no sense to be vaccinated against some tropical fever.

The other side of the coin is that some people argue that there is no point in getting vaccinated against smallpox, although there are reservoirs containing anthrax and black smallpox on Russian territory. Although the disease is not widespread even within the country. However, it is worth taking care of your own safety. The fact is that the spores of these diseases live quietly even in unfavorable conditions for about a hundred years and you never know where they will take you in life. Epidemiologists consider the risk of spreading this disease to be high.

Injection calendar

The healthcare system assumes that by the age of 14, a child’s body should become immune to common diseases. Vaccination is carried out in educational institutions so that every child acquires immunity. Naturally, the Infanrix vaccine cannot be given if you have a runny nose or other illness, but nothing will prevent you from being cured and after a runny nose, the child goes to the hospital at his place of residence, where he will be given the appropriate injection. In civilized countries there is a certain order of injections, which are performed according to the following schedule:

1. On the first birthday, an injection is given that will trigger the appearance of immunity against rubella, measles and mumps. This is already the fourth injection, however, vaccinations up to a year have nuances and this is a topic for a separate discussion;
2. At one and a half years old, a second DTP injection is given, which is aimed against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Doing DTP for a runny nose and other symptoms is prohibited;
3. Polio drops are prescribed at one year and seven months; use is also prohibited for a runny nose;
4. The next vaccination is at 6 years old, against measles, rubella and mumps;
5. At this age an injection is given for tetanus and a few months later for tuberculosis;
6. And lastly, in adolescence, as early as 14 years old, vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria is given.

Patients are vaccinated against hepatitis separately. Every child who has reached one year of age is vaccinated. The flu vaccine is given in the same order. Until the age of 18, it is also mandatory to take injections against rubella, since this disease makes girls unable to conceive.

Children at highest risk of severe influenza (developed country recommendations):

Children under 6 months of age

• The flu vaccine is not used in children younger than 6 months, but the risk of complications from influenza in this group is higher than at any other age.
• The best way to protect children under 6 months of age is to encourage their families and caregivers to get vaccinated.

Children from 6 months to 5 years

• Even healthy children in this age group are at risk of severe influenza simply because of their age.
• Children from 2 to 5 years old should immediately consult a doctor about influenza if they have the flu.
• To protect their health, all children 6 months and older should be vaccinated against influenza every year. Vaccinating children, their families and others can also help protect them from the disease.

Children 6 months and older with the following concomitant conditions:

• Asthma or other mild pathology;
• Weakening of the immune system;
• Chronic kidney disease;
• Heart diseases;
• HIV AIDS
• Diabetes;
• Long-term use of aspirin;
• Any pathology that can reduce lung function (congenital pathology, spinal cord injury, seizure disorder or other neurological disorder)

Runny nose after vaccinations

There is a certain set of diseases for which vaccinations are mandatory. Otherwise, if a child meets them without immunity, he may not survive this meeting. These are the diseases:

The first on the list, polio, is a dangerous disease, and parents try to protect themselves from it using available means. Therefore, it is not advisable to do polio when you have a runny nose, but it is necessary. This vaccine, like others, can provoke certain complications, but a runny nose and cough after polio vaccination are less common than with the same DPT vaccine.

Moreover, in other cases, when people are vaccinated against measles, rubella or mumps, tests must be carried out twice, just as they are also vaccinated twice - at 1 year and at 6 years, before the child has to go to school. It is also prohibited to get the MMR vaccine if you have a runny nose, but you need to have time to get cured and vaccinated before going to school, because these diseases spread well among children. It has been noted that, if a runny nose occurs after this type of vaccination, it does not occur immediately, but after two or three weeks. As a rule, parents do not notice the connection between the vaccine and complications after such a period and are treated as usual.

Snot after vaccination against measles, rubella and mumps does not appear immediately because the vaccine contains real infections of each of these diseases, they are simply weakened to the required degree. After 10-15 days have passed, the bacteria develop and, having reached their peak, provoke the body into an immune reaction. This reaction to DTP vaccination and polio appears faster or slower, depending on the individual characteristics of the child’s body.

It is worth noting that not everyone develops a runny nose and cough after a flu shot, and children tolerate the vaccination normally, strengthening their body. A runny nose and side effects occur in a small percentage of children, but this can be managed. It is more difficult to treat a disease to which immunity is developed through vaccination.

What are the possible contraindications?

So, it’s better to find some alternative to flu shots if you have the following contraindications:

• You cannot vaccinate if a person has an acute cold or high fever. First you need to wait for recovery, and then wait another month or at least three weeks.
• If you have an allergic reaction to protein. Most vaccines are made based on it.
• If the previous vaccination had serious side effects, it is likely that the doctor will cancel the upcoming procedure.
• In the presence of serious diseases of the nervous and endocrine systems, other prevention options are also selected.
• If there are problems with the functioning of the kidneys or adrenal glands, additional counseling may be needed before the procedure.
• Some vaccines (for example, Grippol) are undesirable to use if a person suffers from chronic diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract.
• Infants and babies under six months of age, as a rule, are not vaccinated.
• Diseases such as asthma, hypertension, anemia, and heart failure may also be considered a contraindication to the flu vaccine.

Children under 6 months of age are not vaccinated

This is why consultation with a medical specialist is necessary before getting vaccinated, especially when adults and children may have certain contraindications to the flu shot.

The doctor carefully:

• studies the patient's medical history;
• asks if there were any problems in the past after immunoprophylaxis;
• carefully asks about health status;
• checks for allergies to the flu shot;
• perhaps even directing the person to undergo some examinations.

Only after this can he decide whether the patient can be vaccinated against influenza.

However, vaccination should not be considered a panacea for colds. More or less guaranteed protection against influenza becomes possible only if you follow the entire range of preventive measures, which, of course, includes:

• healthy lifestyle;
• proper nutrition (as many vitamins and natural products as possible);
• walks in the fresh air;
• moderate physical activity;
• minimizing contact with people infected with influenza.

Remember that with a strong immune system, the body fights infection much easier and has a much greater chance.

But it’s not always the case that even the strongest immune system is unable to resist the spread of the influenza virus without outside help, which is provided by timely vaccination.

We also recommend: Certificate of flu vaccination