According to some studies, almost 30% of people influenza vaccination In fact, it can cause influenza.
The CDC says this belief is likely due to common side effects associated with vaccines, such as headaches, fever, nausea, headaches and muscle aches. There may also be pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
Dr. Samantha Picking, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens, said it’s a “common misconception” that you can get the flu from getting the vaccine.
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“The influenza vaccine cannot cause influenza,” Picking, who is based in Massachusetts, told FOX News Digital. “Most influenza vaccines do not contain live virus; inactive influenza virus Or part of a virus. ”
The nasal spray influenza vaccine is a live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), which means it contains a very weak form of the influenza virus, she said.
FOX News senior medical analyst Dr. Mark Siegel reiterated that the vaccine is made from “dead, inactivated, or killed virus,” and “you can’t get the flu from it.”
Although not everyone will experience side effects after getting the flu shot, mild side effects It’s possible.
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Picking said the reason some people feel sick after getting the vaccine is because their immune system is reacting and building protection.
“Side effects vary from person to person. It’s important to remember that if you experience common side effects such as pain, low-grade fever, pain or swelling at the injection site, it means the vaccine is working,” she added.
Doctors say that if any side effects occur, they appear soon after the shot and usually last one to two days. You can manage them by: Over-the-counter products.
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“Your pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter products to help deal with any minor side effects you encounter,” she said.
Some people, especially women, are more likely to experience side effects from injections. children under 5 years oldDoctors say pregnant women and women who have received high-dose vaccinations.
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“The side effects of the flu shot vary from person to person, but most are mild and self-limiting,” she added.
Picking said it’s possible to get the flu right after getting the vaccine, but you can’t get it from the shot.
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“After infection, it takes about two weeks for the body to develop full immunity. get vaccinatedSo you can still get the flu right after you get the flu shot,” she said.
“If that happens, the disease was not caused by the vaccine; it is simply because your body was not yet fully protected. That’s why the sooner you get vaccinated, the better.”
The side effects of the vaccine are very similar to the actual flu, but the timing and severity of symptoms distinguish the two.
”influenza vaccination “Side effects tend to be mild, appearing within a few hours and usually lasting only a few days,” Picking said, adding, “Real flu symptoms are generally more severe and last much longer.”
If you have concerns, she recommends getting tested.
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Generally, it is considered safe to get a flu shot if your symptoms are mild. like a cold No fever.
“However, if you have moderate or severe illness, especially if you have a fever, it is best to wait to get vaccinated until you have recovered,” Picking recommended. “If you’re already sick, it’s more difficult to distinguish between vaccine side effects and symptoms of the disease. This can also help ensure an optimal immune response.”
