“What are the negatives of getting a flu shot?”

The few more common problems that accompany the flu shot is site soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, aches, or other minor symptoms. If these minor side effects occur, it is typically soon after the shot is administered, and symptoms last for up to 2 days. Tylenol or Ibuprofen helps alleviate the soreness. However, there are some more serious side effects of the flu shot. These include serious disease processes such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS which causes partial or total body paralysis. It gradually resolves over a period of time depending on the severity. Other recognized side effects include permanent shoulder injuries related to the incorrect administration of the vaccine. Some people are concerned about Thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that is often used in multi-dose vials (although less so today). It is not used in vaccines for children. Allergic reactions can occur particularly for those who have severe egg allergies have also been associated with flu vaccines. But not getting the flu vaccination is far more dangerous than any of these problem outliers. Terri Arthur, RN, BS, MS