Your arm will likely hurt after a vaccine, like the flu shot, for two primary reasons. One is because you got a needle put in your arm muscle (deltoid), and a small amount of fluid injected. That causes a local inflammatory response — swelling.
Can a flu shot hurt for weeks?
Doctors stress that any soreness from the flu shot should be minimal and last only a day or two. Overall, the flu shot shouldn't hurt all that much — and getting the flu will always be worse than a little bit of soreness.
Can your arm hurt 2 weeks after a flu shot?
It can feel like a bruise, and you may experience a little bit of swelling as well. This type of normal pain will typically go away after 2-3 days and even though your arm can be quite sore, the important distinction here is that you'll still have full range of motion and normal function of your arm.
What helps sore arm after flu shot?
Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen after your shot can help reduce inflammation and soreness. Since the vaccine is trying to stimulate an inflammatory and immune response, and these over-the-counter medications limit that, it's best not to pre-treat for pain before your vaccine. Avoid Strenuous Exercise.
How long does your arm hurt after a flu shot?
Common side effects include: (1) Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given; (2) low grade fever; (3) muscle aches; or (4) toughness/itching at the injection site. These reactions typically present soon after the flu shot and last one to two days.
Should I ice my arm after flu shot?
Ice the area after the flu shot to reduce any swelling. After one or two days, try a warm compress to help relax the muscle and get the blood flow moving.
How do you massage your arm after a flu shot?
Relax your arm and let it hang loose. “The needle is going into your muscle so tensing your arm can lead to more pain,” says Li-Tall. To ward off soreness, massage the shot area immediately after the injection and move your arm around to keep the muscle moving and help your body absorb the medicine.
Why does my arm still hurt a month after flu shot?
Mild soreness at the injection site is considered a routine reaction to many vaccines. The soreness often goes away without further problems. In rare instances, however, a vaccination can result in severe and longer-lasting shoulder pain and bursitis after vaccination.
Why does my arm still hurt two weeks after flu shot?
Roughly half the flu shots administered this year are quadrivalent, so perhaps that accounts for the sore arms. Shoulder pain and limited range of motion that come on suddenly after a vaccination is believed to be due to an injury to the tendons, ligaments or bursa of the shoulder from a badly aimed needle.