Does the flu shot make you sick? Here’s what to know - NJ.com

Flu season is just about here, and the the Center for Disease Control recommends getting a flu shot in September or October.

It is not uncommon to have mild side effects, such as soreness, a headache or a low-grade fever, after getting a flu shot, but contrary to some belief, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine, according to the CDC.

Here is what you need to know about what to expect after you have received your flu shot.

According to the CDC, flu shots have a good safety record.

Hundreds of millions of Americans have received flu vaccines safely over the past 50 years, and there has been a lot of research supporting the safety of flu vaccines.

The flu vaccine does not cause the flu, because the vaccines contain an inactivated virus that is no longer infectious or a particle made to look like a flu virus to your immune system, according to the CDC.

Some people can become sick with other respiratory illnesses which are associated with the common cold that cause symptoms that can mimic the flu.

Another reason people might get the flu despite vaccination is because they were exposed to flu viruses before getting their shot or within the two-week period it takes for the vaccine to take full effect.

A third reason why people might experience flu symptoms despite getting vaccinated is that they were exposed to a flu virus that differs from the virus administered in the vaccine.

Some of the mild side effects people have reported from receiving the flu vaccine include the following:

• soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site
• headache
• low-grade fever
• muscle aches
• nausea

Usually, side effects from the flu shot last no more than one-to-two days. However, it takes up to two weeks for the vaccine to fully go into effect.

You should contact your doctor if you feel the following side effects:

• a high fever
• behavior changes
• difficulty breathing
• hoarseness or wheezing
• swelling around the eyes or lips
• hives
• paleness
• weakness
• fast heartbeat or dizziness

People experiencing an allergic reaction to the shot or developing severe side effects from the shot should call 911 immediately and get to the nearest hospital.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.

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