Getting the flu shot? These products may help relieve side effects
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Between cases of the flu, respiratory viruses going around and the common cold, it’s safe to say flu season is in full swing and hospitals are filling up because of it. With COVID-19 continuing to proliferate, it's even more important to get the flu shot in order to prevent multiple illnesses from spreading. When getting your flu shot, it's worth noting that there are possible side effects that may occur after receiving it. The following side effects are common, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen or become severe. Talk with your doctor before getting the flu shot to make sure it’s right for you.
Side effects of the flu shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that common side effects of the seasonal flu shot include:
Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
Headache
Fever
Nausea
Muscle aches
Fatigue
How to relieve flu shot side effects
The CDC states that these symptoms are typically mild and should resolve in a few days. If you're looking for remedies to alleviate specific symptoms, such as nausea, there are many products that can offer relief.
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A water bottle to hydrate
Water is greatly effective at combatting fever and other side effects associated with the flu vaccine. To ensure you have a steady supply, we recommend having a reusable water bottle at hand. You can't go wrong with the Brita Stainless Steel Filtering Water Bottle, the best water bottle we've tested here at Reviewed. Its insulation will keep water chilled for over 24 hours and the filter keeps it odor-free.
A thermometer to monitor your temperature
Running a fever is one of the possible side effects of the flu shot. For reference, a fever is considered 100.4 °F or greater by most healthcare providers. To determine whether you have a fever or not, we recommend getting a digital thermometer like the one offered by Femometer. Accurate readings are given in as little as one second and are color-coded for convenience.
A tea kettle to brew some nausea-combatting tea
When it comes to treating nausea, various types of teas, such as chamomile and ginger, are tried and true remedies. A convenient way to do so is by using a tea kettle. We love Susteas Stovetop Whistling Tea Kettle, which is the best kettle we've tested. Besides being absolutely gorgeous, this kettle heats quickly and easily. Plus, it lets out a loud whistle when the water has come to a boil.
Resistance bands to stretch your arm
With a sore arm, the last thing you probably want to do is exercise it. According to the CDC, however, that's exactly what you should be doing. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu shot often causes a sore arm that can be eased by moving it to stimulate blood flow and subsequently reduce soreness. Fortunately, you won't have to pump iron to feel relief—stretching resistance bands, such as these highly rated ones from Amazon, should do the trick.
Epsom salt to take a soak in the bath
A relaxing way to deal with aches and soreness is to soak in a bath filled with Epsom salts, which have long been used to treat pain and soreness. The Solimo Epsom Salt Soaking Aid has over 31,000 ratings on Amazon, with reviewers praising the salt for its effectiveness and low price.
An ice pack to provide relief on site
If you notice an ache around the site of your shot, an ice pack may provide quick relief to the pain by creating a numbing effect. NatraCure's FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack is one of the best-rated ice packs on Amazon, with over 8,000 5-star reviews. Reviewers love that the design allows the pack to fit snugly against any body part and the coldness lasts a long time.
A heating pad to rid yourself of a headache
A warm compress or heating pad applied to your head may ease any headache that occurs as a result of your flu shot. In addition, if you feel sore or tense in other areas, the pad can be applied there, too. Caylee's Creations offers the best microwavable heating pad we've tested. We love it for its heat retention and delightful scent.
A washcloth for DIY pain relief
A more DIY way to relieve soreness is by wetting a washcloth and placing it on the point of soreness. Cool washcloths can also be placed on your forehead or the back of your neck to relieve fever. With many positive reviews, the Amazon Basics washcloth pack is praised for its softness and absorbency.
An eye mask and pillow to get some shuteye
Time and rest are the best ways to deal with the possible side effects associated with the flu shot. You'll want to make a few upgrades to your sleep routine to ensure you get peaceful shuteye.
First, we recommend getting our favorite sleep mask from Mzoo. The Mzoo Sleep Mask totally blocks light, is adjustable for your convenience and puts no pressure on your eyes. With this mask, you'll be able to drift off to sleep no matter the time of day. More importantly, though, you need a quality pillow for restful sleep. That's where our favorite pillow comes in. We love the Coop Home Goods Original Pillow for its top-notch comfort and its customization to be as full or flat as you prefer it.
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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Side effects of flu shot 2022: How to treat
