Pain relievers can help with the flu shot side effects.

This article will explore some dos and don’ts aftergetting your flu shot.

It’s crucial to take all medications as prescribed, regardless of upcoming or recent flu vaccines.

Person holding up shirt sleeve to show bandaid in shoulder after shot

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Avoid Alcohol

Experts suggest you avoid drinkingalcoholafter getting a flu shot.

Excess alcohol can impair of suppress immune cell activity.

Are You Contagious After a Flu Shot?

You cannot pass the virus or an influenza infection on to others from the vaccine.

However, it’s possible for you to pass a flu infection that incubated during your immunization.

After getting the flu shot, it’s possible for you to also be infected with other respiratory infections.

The seasonal flu shot only protects againstcertain types of influenza viruses.

Extra rest and self-care can help if you are sore orsick after the flu shot.

A 2022 study suggests that exercising after getting a flu or COVID-19 vaccine may improve your protection.

The study found that people who exercised regularly mounted a more robust immune response after vaccination.

After getting your shot, a single episode of light to moderate exercise can help boost your protection.

Still, you might not feel well as your immune system works overtime to develop antibodies against the virus.

Mild soreness and fatigue is expected, but a little self-care and over-the-counter pain relievers should improve your symptoms.

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Permanente Medicine.Five ways to reduce flu shot soreness.

University of Rochester Medical Center.Getting a flu shot?

Skip the Advil, Aleve, for mild discomfort.

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Harvard T.H.

Chan School of Public Health.Nutrition and immunity.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu vaccine safety.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Seasonal flu vaccine.