Sore arm after the flu shot? Read this

Fall is the time of year known for seeing falling leaves, eating pumpkin delicacies and bringing sweaters to the front of your closet. Another sign of fall? Attending your flu shot appointment.

Once you get your flu shot, you may erase the task from your mind. However, a lingering soreness at the vaccination site may jog your memory.

“Temporary arm soreness after receiving any vaccine is common,” explains Dr. Alyssa Mohorek, a family medicine physician at Aurora Health Care. “This minor discomfort is the result of an inflammatory response caused by the injected vaccination liquid. This is not only safe, but it means your body is building up antibodies to the virus so it can detect and fend off the virus if you’re exposed during the upcoming flu season.”

Fortunately, soreness from the flu shot is usually short-lived and there are some at-home remedies to resolve the discomfort.

How to decrease pain at your flu vaccination site:

Apply a cold compress

Applying an ice pack to your affected arm for 15 to 20 minutes will reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. Once swelling improves, so will your pain. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect your skin from cold exposure.

Take an over the counter (OTC) pain reliever

OTC pain relievers can help relieve arm soreness by reducing inflammation. However, there is conflicting research on whether taking one impacts the efficacy of the flu vaccine. So, it’s important to avoid preemptively taking the OTC medicine prior to the vaccine and if you don’t have soreness afterward.

Rest

Let your body rest to support your body’s immune system, which will be hard at work after your flu shot so it can fend off the virus later. Rest also speeds up your body’s recovery and helps any side effects subside, such as arm soreness, fatigue and headache.

However, some experts recommend keeping your affected arm moving to prevent stiffness by encouraging blood flow.

Don’t let the minor discomfort sway you

“Having minor arm discomfort after receiving a vaccine outweighs the potential serious illness, hospitalization or death you are more at risk for without the preventive flu vaccine,” Dr. Mohorek says. “If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, facial swelling or hives, seek medical attention immediately.”

If you have questions or concerns about the flu shot, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.

Learn more about flu shots in Illinois or Wisconsin.