Does the flu shot hurt?
Well, if the vaccine is given with a small skinny needle, it’s hardly even a pinch. Kids tell us that it didn’t even hurt. So make sure your doctor uses something small like a 25 gauge needle. Your arm may get sore after the shot though, and the best thing to do is move it around and take some ibuprophen. Most people don’t even need to do this however. If you receive the nasal spray flu vaccine, you may have mild symptoms afterward because this kind of vaccine is made from weakened, or attenuated, virus. So, if you are at high risk for infections, such as in an immunocompromised state (AIDS, asplenia, undergoing chemotherapy), you should NOT get this form of vaccine. Have your doctor advise you because when in these high risks states, you should be vaccinated to protect yourself from the flu. In most of these cases the shot will be the proper choice for you. ASK YOUR DOCTOR.
