Swine Flu Vaccine Side Effects

By: Layla Sinclair

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you want to protect yourself from various flu bugs, first read about these swine flu vaccine side effects. Getting a swine flu (also called H1N1) vaccine is a good way to prevent yourself from catching and passing on a horrible bout of illness. However, you should be aware of the possible reactions that the shot might cause in certain individuals.

  1. Tenderness This is the most common side effect from a swine flu vaccine. The arm that received the shot will often feel quite sore for a few days or even a week afterwards. You might want to choose the arm that you least favor, to prevent yourself from having trouble writing or performing other daily tasks. You’ll also want to avoid sleeping on the side that you received the shot.
  2. Muscle Aches Occasionally, the soreness from the shot can extend further than just the localized area of the arm. You might feel muscle aches throughout your body. They often resemble the aching feeling you get from the basic flu. These swine flue vaccine side effects should go away in a few days.
  3. Fainting Some people do faint after receiving the swine flue vaccine. This often can be an effect of being injected with a needle more so than an actual effect from the vaccine dosage. People who have difficulty receiving a shot should make sure to look away from the needle and have someone with them to distract them.
  4. Nausea Although rare, some people can grow nauseous after receiving the swine flu vaccine. This side effect should only last one or two days after you get the shot; call a doctor if symptoms extend for longer than this.
  5. Fever Another infrequent swine flu vaccine side effect is fever. The fever is usually mild and might be accompanied by the fatigue that is typical of the basic flu. Symptoms should go away within 2-3 days. You might want to contact a doctor if the side effects last longer than this.
  6. Allergic Reaction Although extremely rare, some individuals might be allergic to the swine flu vaccine. Those who are allergic to eggs should avoid receiving any type of flu shot. People who have an allergic reaction to the vaccine might have trouble breathing, experience fainting, or erupt in hives.
Posted on: Apr. 20, 2011