Flu shot causing flare?

[Deb 27]

So, I had to get a flu shot yesterday. Just can't risk getting it at my age with asthma and I work in health care.  But this afternoon, my energy feels like it's been drained and I ache all over. Does this happen to anyone else? There have been times I felt it caused a small flare but this is kind of tough. I ache all over. Gonna try some tylenol.  Maybe I just forget how bad it makes me feel every year. 

[Nymph]

I get the flu shot every year. This happened to me once. It is probably not a flare just a relatively common side effect as your immune system responds to the vaccine. It's not fun, but you should feel better in a day or two.

[Jasper]

Flu shots make me feel like I am in a mini flare. The flu shot ramps up the immune system a little as it builds antibodies to the flu. So naturally we are going to feel a little worse as our immune systems ramp up even more than they already are.

I usually feel better after a few days.

Common side effects from the flu shot include:

    Soreness, redness, and/or swelling from the shot
    Headache
    Fever
    Nausea
    Muscle aches

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/general.htm

[jazzlover]

Too much junk in those.. I'm so sorry you have to get one each year.

Feel better soon!

[GgcJap]

I was under the impression that those with autoimmune shouldn't have flu shots? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[warmwaters]

 GgcJap - my understanding from my doctors is that you should get it, unless you have a specific profile that says not to (problems with the contest of flu shot, problems with your immune system).

Deb 27  - For me, it hits me for 3-4 days feeling sort of "blah", but compared to getting the flu, it's better. Hang in there.

[GgcJap]

Sorry I remember now, it was live flu shots while on steroids you shouldn't have. Or so I read.