Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu. But what happens if you’re feeling under the weather when it’s time for your vaccination? Should you go ahead and get the shot, or is it better to wait?
Keep reading if you want to make the best decision for your health!
How the Flu Shot Works
The flu shot is an influenza vaccine designed to trigger your body’s immune response to the flu virus. Specifically, the flu shot contains inactivated, or dead, influenza viruses. When you receive the injection, your immune system is trained to recognize the flu virus, as if it were alive, and starts producing antibodies.
These antibodies are equipped to identify and combat the flu virus. So, if you come into contact with the flu after being vaccinated, your antibodies will kick into action, helping to prevent infection or at least lessen the severity of flu symptoms.
Now, you might have heard a few myths about the flu shot, like it can actually give you the flu or that it’s not really necessary if you’re generally healthy. But here’s the truth: the flu shot is made from an inactivated virus, which means it can’t cause the flu. And even if you’re in great health, the flu can still hit you hard, leading to serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalizations, especially for those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease or respiratory illnesses.
Getting the flu shot is important—not just for your own health but also for the health of those around you, including older adults, pregnant people, and young children who may be at higher risk for flu complications.
When to Get the Flu Shot When Sick
So, you’re not feeling your best, but you’ve got that flu shot appointment on your calendar. Should you go through with it? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers some guidance.
When to Avoid the Flu Shot
- Fever or High Temperature: If you have a fever, it’s usually a sign that your body is fighting something significant. Vaccinating during a fever could mean your immune system won’t respond as strongly to the flu shot, so it’s often advised to wait until your temperature is back to normal.
- Severe Respiratory Symptoms: If you’re experiencing severe symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, or a persistent cough, it might be a good idea to postpone your flu shot. These symptoms suggest that your immune system is already heavily engaged, and adding a vaccine to the mix could be overwhelming.
- Recent Illness or Infection: If you’ve recently recovered from an illness or infection, but your energy levels are still low, consider waiting a few more days. This gives your immune system time to fully recover and be ready to respond effectively to the vaccine.
When It’s Okay to Get the Flu Shot:
- Mild Cold Symptoms: If you’re just dealing with a mild illness like a runny nose, slight cough, or mild sore throat, you’re generally okay to get the flu shot. These symptoms typically don’t interfere with your immune system’s ability to respond to the vaccine.
- No Fever Present: If your illness is mild and you don’t have a fever, most healthcare providers would encourage you to go ahead and get vaccinated. The sooner you get the shot, the sooner you’re protected.
If you’re ever in doubt, the best course of action is to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms and advise whether it’s better to reschedule your flu shot for a time when you’re feeling better. Remember, the goal is to make sure you’re as protected as possible during flu season, so it’s worth getting professional advice.
Flu Shot Side Effects: What to Expect
The flu shot is generally safe, but like any vaccine, it can cause some mild side effects. Here’s what you might experience:
Common Side Effects:
- Soreness at the injection site: Mild pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
- Low-grade fever and muscle aches: Some people may experience a slight fever or general achiness, which typically resolves within a day or two.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Headache or mild nausea: These symptoms are uncommon and usually short-lived.
- Allergic reactions: Most flu vaccines are made using eggs, but people with egg allergies can usually still get vaccinated safely. If you have an egg allergy, talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Serious Side Effects:
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): A very rare but serious condition that can occur after vaccination.
Most side effects are mild and temporary. The flu shot cannot give you the flu, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Tips for Deciding When to Get the Flu Shot
When it comes to deciding whether to get your flu shot while you’re feeling under the weather, a little practical guidance can go a long way. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your health:
- Assess Your Symptoms: Start by evaluating how sick you really are. If you have mild symptoms like a runny nose or a slight cough, you’re probably fine to go ahead with the vaccination. However, if you’re experiencing a fever, fatigue, or significant body aches, it might be better to wait.
- Consider Timing: Think about the timing of flu season in your area. If flu season is just starting or if cases are on the rise, getting vaccinated sooner rather than later is important. But if you’re only a few days away from feeling better, waiting until you’re healthier might be the smarter choice.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: When in doubt, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your current health status and the specifics of your illness. If you’re frequently sick during influenza season, they might even suggest strategies for staying on top of your vaccination schedule.
- Plan Ahead: If you’re prone to getting sick often, it’s a good idea to plan your flu shot early in the season, before you’re likely to catch something else. This way, you can avoid the dilemma of whether to get vaccinated while you’re ill.
At Premier Family Medical, we’re committed to keeping our Utah community healthy. If you need a flu shot or have questions about whether it’s the right time to get vaccinated, our experienced healthcare professionals are here to help. Visit our website to learn more about our services and to schedule your flu shot today.
