Is it normal for your arm to be sore after a flu shot?

Is it normal for your arm to be sore after a flu shot?

Your arm will likely hurt after a vaccine, like the flu shot, for two primary reasons. One is because you got a needle put in your arm muscle (deltoid), and a small amount of fluid injected. That causes a local inflammatory response — swelling.

Can your arm hurt 2 weeks after a flu shot?

It can feel like a bruise, and you may experience a little bit of swelling as well. This type of normal pain will typically go away after 2-3 days and even though your arm can be quite sore, the important distinction here is that you’ll still have full range of motion and normal function of your arm.

Why does my arm hurt a week after flu shot?

Roughly half the flu shots administered this year are quadrivalent, so perhaps that accounts for the sore arms. Shoulder pain and limited range of motion that come on suddenly after a vaccination is believed to be due to an injury to the tendons, ligaments or bursa of the shoulder from a badly aimed needle.

How long does arm pain last after flu shot?

Common side effects include: (1) Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; (2) low grade fever; (3) muscle aches; or (4) toughness/itching at the injection site. These reactions typically present soon after the flu shot and last one to two days.

How long does muscle soreness last after flu shot?

Swelling, redness and soreness are common after the flu shot and can last 24-48 hours. “If you always experience soreness or swelling after a flu vaccination, take an ibuprofen about 2 hours prior to vaccination,” suggests Dr. Mora.

How do you stop your arm from hurting after a flu shot?

Five Ways to Reduce Flu Shot Soreness

1. Avoid tensing your arm muscle during the injection. Try to keep your arm relaxed at your side, in a neutral position.
2. Apply ice or a warm compress after the injection.
3. Stretch.
4. Time it right.
5. Time use of over the counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Can you get nerve damage from a flu shot?

This pain can range in intensity from mild to severe, and it can either remain localized to the shoulder or radiate through the arm and other parts of the body. In any case, abnormal pain following a flu vaccination will often be a sign of nerve damage or a potentially-serious shoulder injury.

When should you seek medical attention after a flu shot?

Symptoms may start 6-12 hours after the flu shot. If any of these symptoms do not go away in 1-2 days or get worse see your doctor. If any of these symptoms occur, you could be having a severe reaction to the vaccine. This is a medical emergency!

How do you get rid of pain from a shot?

A cold compress or ice pack can also reduce pain and swelling. If your arm is sore, then gentle, cool pressure can help you find relief. Some people also prefer a warm compress, so experiment and choose what works best for you.

How do you know if you hit a nerve when injecting?

Unlike some veins, nerves are not visible from outside the body, although you will definitely know if you’ve hit one while injecting because you’ll experience extreme pain and no blood will enter the syringe when you pull back to register. You may feel an electric “burn” along your limb.

Can a flu shot cause muscle damage?

When a flu shot is improperly administered, the needle can cause damage to the nerves, muscles and other soft tissue beneath the surface of the skin. This damage can lead to various types of injuries, all of which are classified as SIRVA.

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to the flu shot?

Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Hoarseness or wheezing.
• Swelling around the eyes or lips.
• Hives.
• Paleness.
• Weakness.
• A fast heart beat or dizziness.