I had the flu shot in early December but yesterday and today I am feeling feverish, have mild aches and pains and bad headache. Does having the flu shot just reduce the symptoms? I have had the flu before and was bed ridden for 3 days, this is nothing like that..
2007-01-11 07:36:07 · 4 answers · asked by Kizz 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Yes you can.
1. It takes a flu shot about 2 weeks to get through your system and fully immunize you so conceivably you can get the flu up to two weeks after you get the shot. This is why a lot of people are incorrectly under the assumption that the flu shot gives you the flu. It's best to get a flu shot as early as possible so that when flu season comes around, you're as protected as you can be.
2. Flu virus strains change all the time and sometimes you'll get a strain of the flu that is resistant to the vaccine you've had. Likely, if you did have the flu, the vaccine was able to lessen the severity of the virus but not eliminate it.
2007-01-11 07:44:32 · answer #1 · answered by Chanteuse_ar 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. There are many different strains of the flu virus and the flu shot cannot possibly cover all of them. The CDC works to figure out which strain will most likely be the prevalent strain for the upcoming "season" and that is the strain that the flu shot covers. The shots simply expose your system to a small dose of the virus, assisting your body in building up a natural immunity to it. Also, some people actually get the flu FROM the flu shot.
The one and only time I got a flu shot, I ended up with a horrible case of it two days later -- the only time I've ever had the flu, I might add. I myself don't believe you can head off the flu...it's a virus and consequently at the top of the food chain.
You also may have a sinus infection (judging by the headache). If it lasts longer than three days, see your physician.
2007-01-11 15:54:55 · answer #2 · answered by LolaCorolla 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many strains of flu. If you get the shot that is aimed at one strain and a different is going around you can still get it. Second the flu shot is often only a buffer from the full effects of the flu. It sounds like that's what has happened to you. You have a minor case not the major one you had before.
2007-01-11 15:46:27 · answer #3 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can still get the flu even if you have had a flu shot. I would go to the doctor he can give you medication that will shorten the duration of the flu. Get well soon
2007-01-11 15:44:53 · answer #4 · answered by brighton 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋