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Q. I am a nurse practitioner and had to get a flu shot this year as a condition for working in my hospital.
I hadn’t been sick in three years but I ended up with the flu, even after the shot. Now two months later I still have substantial arm pain and muscle weakness. I am a very active person and this is quite annoying and is interfering with my workout routine.
A. Others have also reported persistent arm pain after getting a flu shot. We do not know how widespread this reaction has been, but it appears to be different from the short-term discomfort (two or three days) many people experience.
Here is what other visitors to our website have reported regarding arm pain:
Just in from Jayme in Friendswood, TX:
“I had my flu shot Oct 1, 2014 (at Walgreens) and STILL can barely use my arm because the pain is so bad. In addition, I have tingling down into my hand.
“I have already had one steroid injection to try and relieve the pain (about 50% successful), but the doctors says I probably have some nerve damage from it also. The flu lasts 2 weeks and this has gone on for 4 months! I will never have another flu shot!”
This comes from Margaret:
“It is over 3 months and I am still having soreness at injection site of a flu vaccine. I am also experiencing pain when moving the arm and pain in my index finger on that same arm. My finger moves on its own when I open and close my hand. It jumps without any control by me.”
Cindy wrote on January 28th:
“I had a flu shot in October and here it is almost February and my arm is still sore.”
Julie in Salina, KS reported:
“I got the quad flu shot this year also. My grandmother died of pneumonia from flu complications in the 60’s when there was a deadly strain going around, so I want to do everything I can to lessen, if not prevent flu as I get older!
It also left me with a painful arm for about 3 1/2 weeks. At 62 years old, I have had many vaccinations in my life, but the pain was usually over in 2-3 days. This pain reminded me of the smallpox vaccination of years ago. But it did go away. However, I admit it does give cause for caution on future vaccinations.”
Tina wrote on January 27th:
“Wow, I can’t believe what I’m reading. I got my annual flu shot last November right before my husband and I went on vacation for 2 weeks and my arm became so sore that it was even painful when I walked and my arm would swing slightly.
“I thought I had done something to injure my arm. Now it’s almost February and my arm still bothers me. It seems to come in waves, with some days better than others. I kept wondering what in the world I had done to myself to cause such pain – I’m only 51 and have been very healthy, with no injuries ever and never any broken bones, surgeries, etc. so I was caught totally off guard by this whole experience.
“Now after seeing this story on TPP [The People’s Pharmacy], I believe it was the flu shot I received at my local CVS pharmacy.”
Karl in Taylorsville, NC added:
“I got my shot at CVS. After 2 months I still have pain in my arm and limited motion.
“Above all this I have a burning anger inside me when I got the Medicare statement and noticed that CVS charged $30.00 for the flu shot and a $30.00 administration fee.”
To be balanced, we must point out that some people reported no problems with the shot.
Ernie in Florida noted:
“I’ve had the flu shot every year for many years, including the quadrivalent shot this year and have had only minor soreness for a few hours after receiving the shot.”
The Bottom Line
We fear that there is no way to determine how common this prolonged sore-arm reaction really is. As far as we can tell, no one is actively tracking adverse flu reactions. This might be a really rare side effect or it might be widespread. Unless the CDC is better able to track adverse reactions to influenza vaccines we will likely never know.
Do you find this comment heretical? Here is what Peter Doshi, PhD, wrote in JAMA Internal Medicine (June 10, 2013):
“Cochrane reviews have noted serious deficiencies in safety outcome reporting in published influenza vaccine trials, suggesting a lack of understanding of the true safety profile of influenza vaccines that hampers an ability to weigh potential benefits against harms…
“At a societal level, successful public health campaigns are only possible (and ethical) with the cooperation and buy-in of the public they serve. But as current influenza vaccine campaigns are based on information asymmetries–in which the public’s understanding of potential vaccine benefit and potential harms is incompatible with the evidence–the public trust is risked by a continuation of the status quo.”
Please share your own experience below, positive or negative.
And please vote on this article by toggling the stars at the top of the post.
Joan
I have had a pain in my arm since the flu shot. When taking my shirt off over my head, the pain is a burning pain and lasts for several seconds. My flu shot was at the end of October, and the pain still persists.
Catherine
My husband just got the flu shot this week sept 2020, the fast-acting one, and he’s been sick all week. He couldn’t go to work. A big chain pharmacy was where he got it. His arm was sore and I noticed that the shot was high up on his arm near the shoulder joint. I’ve never gotten my flu shot that high up. He’s been acting grumpy, and he said that his sense of smell has gotten sensitive that he smells things stronger, so much so that his nose burns, and his head hurts. He never lies around but he has this week all week, and his stomach has been upset. He says he just don’t feel good. He couldn’t go to work all week. He is 70 yrs old. That was the first flu shot he ever got. He will never get another one.
Marie
I was in excellent health. About eight years ago I got the flu shot. By the evening I felt seriously sick. I had a fever, joint pain, muscle pains, and so much more. I was nauseated, dehydrated, weak as weak could be. Within three days my fever was 104. I called my doctir and was told drink Gatorade and take tylenol. It was as if I was poisoned. It took five weeks to go away. Never again! I was not that sick again until years later when I was given a tetus and tetnus booster shot. I developed rheumatoid arthritis, and my immune system took a serious dive. NEVER! I am still trying to take back my health via nutrition and supplements.
VALERIE
SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
Ii had a flu shot in october 2016. 2 hours after having it I was in so much pain and could not move my left arm for a few weeks. 2 years later I can only lie on my left side which is still painful. I will never have a flu jab again. I have spoken to at least a dozen people who have experienced what I have after a flu jab. WHAT WENT WRONG????? Someone must know, and the medical profession has hidden all these problems. And did it only happen in 2016???
Sheila
St. Louis, MO
I received a flu shot last October 2017. Mandatory for my job. I woke the next day with severe left shoulder pain. After 2 weeks of this pain I sought help. Prior to this I looked up vaccine injuries thinking surely this wasn’t the cause. I had adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) diagnosis.
This did not improve for 4 months. It was almost impossible to do daily things because I could not use my shoulder at all. I slowly started to get some use from my shoulder. Got a steroid shot and it brought my shoulder over time to about 40%. That is where it has remained. It has been almost 9 months. By MRI there is a lot of damage. The flu shot was given in my joint space.
With all this being said, in the last several months there have other things. I experience pain in my joints everyday. It has been getting much worse. In the past I would experience pain now and then but nothing like this. I recently had an autoimmune panel run. All these things manifested after the flu shot.
Mary
Tampa
I’ve avoided the flu vac for many years . This year we had an outbreak in our facility so I got the vaccine. Immediately my arm started stinging, then began to get sore,swollen, and red. This lasted a week but the soreness has never left. I mentioned this to the doctor but he dismissed my concerns.
kathy a
Ohio
I had a B12 shot in October 2016. My arm hurt continuously after the shot. I went to the Dr and she couldn’t find any reason for my arm pain. At times the sudden shooting pain was so bad I felt like I was going to pass out. I sought more medical help and was told I had tennis elbow. The pain continues and I developed loss of range of motion and my left ring finger became sore on the knuckle continuously.
Eventually, I developed clawing of the index finger with certain task. The pin in my shoulder was like someone continuously punching me in the arm. The pain in my arm didn’t lessen any until 6 months later but I still had loss of use and range of motion. I went to physical therapy which didn’t help. Now one year and 3 months later I still have pain and range of motion problems and numbness in the index and pinky fingers. Until I read different articles about sirva I couldn’t imagine what had happened to make me have so much pain.
But now I am almost positive that this is what happened when I received that B12 shot, I had no problems or injuries with my arm before that. And I mentioned to the nurse on my next visit for the B12 to not give it to me in the same arm because I still had pain in it from the previous week shot. I suffer daily now and have trouble doing my routine task.
Scott
Tamarac FL
I don’t usually get a flu shot, but this year I went to walgreens and got a flucelvax quadrivalent shot. 2 days later I woke up with a strange feeling in my arm. When I try to make a fist it’s like my tendons in my hand don’t work. my entire arm feels like it’s asleep. It’s not painful yet, just an extreme weakness in my elbow wrist and fingers. It feels really serious, it’s hard to explain why, but I’ve never had this kind of shot before, my left arm is almost useless. I am healthy 48 years old no chronic disease no allergies, I am really scared this isn’t going to go away.
Sue
Maine
I had my flu shot at a big name pharmacy in September 2017. My arm hasn’t been right since. The muscle hurts in my upper arm and is very sore. I can’t lift or lie on it. Occasionally I feel a snapping sensation in the muscle area. Then it hurts.
Charlie
Juneau, Alaska
I got a flu shot a few days before Thanksgiving and had no pain for several days. After about a week, the arm that the shot was given in started to get sore. Then the pain spread all over my body and one of my knees (that had been injured 30+ years ago) became so sore that I could barely stand. After a couple of weeks of severe pain, I consulted a bone & joint specialist about my knee and told him I suspected the flu shot. When x-rays indicated compromised cartilage, I agreed to a steroid shot in the sore knee. The shot immediately eliminated all pain throughout my body, but a week later the muscle pain & weakness was back (my knees however are still fine). When the pain did not go away, I found this site and learned about others with a similar experience. Now I am convinced that the flu shot is the cause.
Paul
New Jersey
I had my flu shot two weeks ago on a Wednesday. The next day, Thursday, my arm was sore right at the injection site. On Friday, the injection site was still slightly sore, but I had a muscle or “bone” pain, hard to describe, in my left forearm, just above the wrist. It hurt more than the injection site ever did. I have to massage it at times to keep the pain from getting overwhelming. Over the next two weeks, the pain migrated (always in my left arm) to my bicep, my inner elbow, and my wrist. It bounces around quite a bit, but the most common location is my forearm, right above the wrist. This is disruptive pain that gets in the way of my everyday activities — I have to constantly stop what I’m doing to massage the area where the pain is located. I’ve now started popping ibuprofen every day to deal with it. I am 53 y.o. and am an active triathlete and runner. I am in excellent physical shape. I have never had pain anything like this anywhere in my body. And this won’t go away. It’s now approaching three weeks, and the pain is not even dissipating.
Issie
UK
I had my first flu injection on the 27th sept, by the 24th Oct my right hand was swollen at the knuckles and fingers swollen, never had problems with this before.
29th Oct top of my right arm where the injection went, was aching so bad and when I tried to put my arm out it would hurt so much. 30th went to doctors, she said no it’s not the flu jab! could be arthritis! What! Never had this before, never had pain in any of my joints. I don’t think its my joints I think its my muscles.
3rd Nov, Pains and aching behind my knee’s! 6th Nov, tops of thighs aching and very painful. So painful that I cannot bend at all, Laying in bed on a night both my hip side ache like toothache. I struggle to get out of bed in a morning.
I struggle to bend to pick anything up. Sat at the moment with hot wheat bags on each side to ease the pain. The doctor now sending me for a blood test next week! New doctor and she said there are side effects from the FLU JAB !
Never Again.
yvonne r
Devon
I had this painful rm after a flu jab at a pharmacy plus i developed a so called ‘granuloma annalare’ blemish scarlet about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide under the skin. 4 years later it i still there and my arm flares up with the same pain now and again if i have a cold or allergy.
Roz
Missouri
Five years ago I got the flu shot. A few days later my arm began to ache. I had weakness & limited motion. It lasted for months. The next four years I had no negative reactions to the shot. Last year after taking the shot I again experienced pain weakness & limited motion & pain. It is better but I still have these problems. My Doctor advised me not to take the flu shot. I am 76 years old & the thought of getting the flu is frightening. Any suggestions?
Teresa
TN
I had flu shot on Oct. 1 , 2016. I haven’t gotten flu shots every year for probably 30 years. This time my arm swelled and ruined terribly at the site. It lasted well over a week. It was very sore to even touch. The day after shot my same side little finger joint ached. It has continued and now my finger is deformed and tender and sore. I assume it is a form of arthritis. Anyone else?
Rosabelle T
New Mexico
My dad got a flu shot in November 2016, we are now in mid July 2017 and he is experiencing itching, burning and excruciating pain down to his fingers. His arm and fingers are always tingling, weak and when he leans his arm down the pain gets even worse down his arm.
The site where the shot was given has not even healed and 8 months later it’s still swollen and still shows the prick hole of the shot. Anyone with answers, please help. I haven’t seen my 64 year father in so much pain before. He had not been able to be himself since he got the flu shot.
Carole
Seattle Wa
I am in Seattle, Washington.
I got my shot in October 2016. My arm is still so sore, I am in pain when I move it. It is the middle, front side of the arm I had the flu shot in. I have been to the Doctor, had a nerve testing, Physical Therapy and nothing is fixing the arm.
In December, my jaw locked, the most painful thing ever. My Dentist gave me Ibuprofen and said I had TMJ. I am 77 years old and healthy.
TRINA
KANSAS CITY, KS
I got a flu shot in oct. 2016 at my job. An hour before it was time to get off I started feeling weird, and by the time I got home, I was sick. The next morning my right hip was hurting. I thought I slept wrong. It was very hard getting up and going to the bathroom. By Sunday I was still in pain, but my sickness went away. (yay) But the hip pain was still there. I took some pain pills to help with the pain, so the next day was Monday. I got up and went to work, and the pain was not as bad. It took about 4 days to completely go away. I told myself no more flu shots. I work in a dr’s office, so I’m going to have to wear a mask for about 3-4 weeks. My answer to that is “Hello, mask!” lol (#NOMOREFLUSHOTSFORME).
Graham
Glasgow
Hi everyone.
I got the yearly flue jab in November 2016. I have suffered pain and limited movement on my arm since the jab and it’s now March 2017. I have been for an ultrasound on Monday and have to wait 10 days for the results, I have Been given naproxen 500g twice a day. But they have made no difference whatsoever. I have spoke to the doctor but the doctor says they have never herd of this problem , Realy?
I drive for a living and this is a nuisance. I read in the USA there is compensation for this very problem but can’t find anything in the uk. I was recommended the jab by the doctor but no one said anything with regards to the problems that may occur. Pain is now up in shoulder area and have major trouble sleeping, someone should be held accountable for the pain and suffering I’m going through.
Sandra
Ohio
Had first flu shot Feb 6 2017 . Next day started with knee pain than hip leg and trouble walking. Can’t lay on right side kept getting worse every day.I have had back pain in the past. But had been doing good.walked into office no pain. Next day pain started and continuely getting worse. Even pain meds don’t help.it’s March 11 and no relief.
Linda
FLORIDA (FL)
I had the flu shot in December, 2016. I had one the year prior, but this one not only hurt, it actually bled, which normally doesn’t happen. Anyway, my upper arm was unusually sore, but has constantly gotten worse now entering into March, 2017. Upper arm and shoulder socket stays in constant pain. I feel certain it is this latest flu vaccine.
Linda
FLORIDA (FL)
I had the flu shot in December, 2016. I have one the year prior, but this one not only hurt, it actually bled, which normally doesn’t happen. Anyway, my upper arm was unusually sore, but had constantly gotten worse now entering into March, 2017. Upper arm and shoulder stays in constant pain. I feel certain it is this latest flu vaccine.
Ed
Waterford Ct
I had the quad shot in Nov. 2016 at Walmarts. It was a very painful shot. I had very sore arm muscles and my shoulder and elbow joints are still painful. This shot can cause more harm than good. CDC should investigate!
Debra
As the health nurse at an outpatient surgery center, I am responsible for giving the vaccine yearly. This particular year, at least 3 employees (myself included) have experienced prolonged agitating joint pain throughout the body. 2 of us have had prolonged tendonitis in the elbow. I can’t help thinking this is no coincidence, but a bad reaction to this year’s vaccine. I am looking for answers. My lab work has shown elevated inflammatory markers, and I am now on several supplements and paleo diet to remedy what is assumed to be “leaky gut”. It would infuriate me to find this all had a common cause in the vaccine.
Anonymous
Georgia
I got the flu shot for the first time in YEARS because my grandson was being born Dec. 2016, and the hospital basically said if we hadn’t had our flu shots, we couldn’t hold the baby. Got the flu shot in December 2016. In January, started having joint pain in knees and hands. Never had a problem before. I’m an active person. Didn’t link it to the flu shot. In October of 2017, I went back to get the flu shot again, because I keep my grandson during the day. Mind you, the pain in my hands and knees had not gone away from last year. Now the pain is much worse. I think all this is because of the flu shot. Never again!
Nikki
CANADA
Our work requires us to have them otherwise we have to wear a mask for our shift.
I have had the flu shots before but with mercury. I had the Agriflu shot, the one without mercury so thought I was being healthier, Nov. 23/17 although one of the nurses told me that it has more side effects. I had muscle soreness like you do with flu for two weeks. On December 28th my right shoulder, the socket was so painful. 4 treatments of massage and the pain has gotten a little bit better but still needs work. I have had tingling, numbness, and weakness.
My elbow and forearm hurts as well when I type more than 2 hours. I am going to try intramuscular stimulation. Will see how that goes. I will also go and see my doctor. Heat helps.
Katie
Plainview, NE
My husband had never had a flu shot in his life until this year when he was blackmailed at work into getting one. He is 59 and has never had a case of influenza in his life either, but because of the corruption in the CDC and big pharma, most everyone is required to get a flu shot now. Anyway, since getting his shot, he has been complaining almost daily of joint pain all over his body. He hasn’t equated it with the flu shot and I am hesitant to put that idea in his head, but it certainly has me wondering. He felt FINE before the shot. It’s been two months since he got his shot and his pains are multiplying and worsening.
Kathy
Coweta, Oklahoma
I suffered with SIRVA that was caused by the flu vaccine given 10/2014. That is Shoulder Injury caused by Vaccine Administration.
Look up SIRVA and read about compensation from the government for your injury. If pain and symptoms lasts at least 6 months you qualify. I believe you can still qualify even if it happened 4-5 years ago. I recommend seeing your primary or orthopedic physician. I do not give medical advice but I would be glad to help with othee questions . Birthinmom@gmail.com
Cindy
Michigan
Nov 2016 got my yearly flu shot at the local pharmacy. That night I could not lift my arm that had the shot. The pain from movement subsided but didn’t go away and as I thought it was about to go away in is back. I know it is not the rotator cuff as that movement does not hurt. Mostly hurts with right to left motion and after sitting or laying a long time. Anyway, my husband when to get his shot at same place and mentioned I was having the sharp pain issue with movement. The pharmacist told him they probably hit a nerve and that there was no way to know if that would happen. I did remember it seemed high on the arm. So, the pharmacist did not say how long it would take before the pain goes away. I am surprised it is taking so long and was starting to worry until I read these comments. Someone should check on this nerve thing. I would like to know how long it takes for these things to go away.
tonia
canada
Got my flu shot 2 days ago as a requirement for my job. I am a nurse. I have been feeling so weak. My body aches all over. Both of my arms are useless and hurt even when I push the door. I exercise 6 days a week, in my 30’s and have no health problems until now. Very sad to hear all your stories and know that probably nothing can be done.
Desaree
nj
I had the shingles shot over 2 weeks ago, and today my arm hurts more then ever. I am a healthy 51 year old. My arm actually was wonderful the first 3 days after the shot; then the pain kicked in. It’s not everyday, and seems to be on/off but really hurts on certain days, like today. Ouchhh
Karen
Ft. Myers, FL
I had the quad flu shot in my upper left arm Sept 29, 2016. Immediately the pain on administration was like no other vaccination I had received in the past. For several days the upper arm was swollen and hot, and very painful. Ordinary flu shots were sore a day or two, but then returned to normal. The pain in my upper deltoid and bicep muscle area is unbearable… it is worse at times than others, but never goes away… I am awakened in my sleep by sharp pain in this area of my arm and cannot perform tasks with this arm without great pain. The upper arm area remains extremely sore all the time….NSAIDs help a little and pain gels but the pain is not getting better over time. I truly believe this is related to the quad flu vaccine.
Lisa
USA Virginia
My ten-year old daughter is a gymnast. So she would complain to me over the last year off and on that her “flu shot” hurt during practices. I never thought it could be the shot, always tried to convince her it was a strain that would flare up.
Yesterday, I brought both my girls in for their flu shots and my gymnast was really scared about which arm to get it in. “What if it ruins my other arm too, mom”?
At, the moment we were called in, I thought, my God, listen to her, what if she is right?
I quickly did a search -long term upper arm pain flu shot- low and behold!!!!!!! I found all these pages. Showed it to the nurse who had never seen it before. Big sister and I got one. Little sister, who is little, did not. Now, not sure what to do.
Char
Seattle
I’m amazed after I’ve read the stories how they match up with what I’ve been experiencing. There is something wrong with the flu shot. I had mine about four weeks ago I have been sick for the last four weeks with tightness and numbness down the arm sometimes it’s swollenwhen I wake up sometimes it’s not.
Karen
Ohio
Doctors don’t have a clue how to deal with this high dose flu vaccine! I will never have another one ever! I just hope by the grace of God to recover back to my normal self. I have no medical issues and now this. Nothing helps. Pain and soreness awful. Mornings are worse.
Karen
OHIO
High dose flu shot is not safe for seniors and can be dangerous. I am in so much pain after a month and it is getting worse! Doctor says flu shot won’t cause all this so Im guess i get no help. Will have this pain and stiffness forever.
Charlotte
Missouri
Hi, I went to my doctor yesterday because 2 days after getting my flu shot at Schnucks because my jib mandates it, the same side I got the flu shot on is where my thumb my 4th and 5th digit went numb and would not bend of hold their weight anymore. This crap is frightening.
The only thing in my mind is that I will be forced to find a new job before I allow someone to force something on me that makes me ill when I was perfectly fine. I am very sorry to hear that you all have experienced the same issues or similar issues. My doctor said that he does not think it is the flu shot.
At this point, I think they may be trained to say that. There is no other logical explanation for multiple people having the same concern after taking this vaccine. I am currently mad because I am experiencing difficulty opening stuff that I previously opened with no problem.
Rose
Calgary, Alberta
I got this years flu shot a couple of weeks ago. I am a nurse and was really questioning the one giving me the shot as she gave it so high up on my arm. Now my arm is so sore, and the muscles jump randomly. The pain has spread through my body, by lower back is so sore I can hardly get out of bed, my knees hurt to the point I can hardly walk without pain medications. I wake up each day with a pain in the back of head on the right side, that I thought for sure I was having a stroke. My larger muscles jump and throb. My left arm where I got the shot has never stopped hurting from the first time I got the needle. Now I swam, walked my dog and went to work everyday before the flu shot and never had any of these issues. Today when I was walking my dog I actually fell down as my legs gave out. I am so afraid also that what is in the shot is far worse than what the flu for healthy person would be. If I had of known this would happen I would the time off without pay during flu season and not had the shot. I feel sick, my legs throb, my arm hurts and I can hardly sit, but cant stand because my back hurts so much. I had the shot last year and was fine, but what ever is in the double vaccine is aweful. I like the lady above am so afraid waiting for a worse diagnoses of possible Gillian Barre, or worse.
Julie
UK
I thought the reason I had been experiencing several years of muscle pain in my right arm was through playing Wii sports with my grandchildren until I had my flu jab this week in my left arm and am now experiencing exactly the same pain and restricted movement in both arms. I have been having the flue vaccine for many years and this is only the second time I have experienced a problem, however, in my right arm, the effect, although intermittent, is long term. I am now convinced that both arms have been damaged either by the vaccine or method of delivery.
Joan
Newport Beach, Ca
Williams: I thought I was nuts until I found this site. My story is similar, but with one crazy twist. My husband and I went to a senior center to have our shots two weeks ago. On a Wednesday. On Thursday morning my husband went out of town, and I did not talk to him until Sunday night, by phone. I told him that I had been sick and in bed from pain in my left arm, entire shoulder, neck very weak from intense pain. He then said he was also ill from Thursday and still ill, but feeling better (Sunday). We compared notes on Tuesday evening when he was back, and our ailments were almost identical: A great deal of pain in the left shoulder, the entire back neck, and the upper arm above the elbow and in the front. Now, this is the very strange part of the flu shot. Both of us had pain on the left side of our bodies, but I had the shot in my right arm and he in the left arm. How can that be?
I have been sleeping with a heating pad every night and have done much better the last two nights. Neck is much improved, shoulder is better, but left arm is still aching to the point of crying out sometimes. The ibuprofen helps if I take 4 at a time; otherwise its not strong enough. It is now 9 days since the shot. I don’t know what to do. When I mention the pain is on the other side of where I got the shot, all my credibility is gone, and I sound nuts. If this lasts more than another week, I will ask Doctor for a real pain killer. I’m exhausted from the pain.
Suzanne
Rochester, NY
Received a flu shot in right arm on Sunday. Started with the typical mild redness and slight swelling at injection site. Tuesday, noticed swelling in the 3rd and 4th finger and knuckle joints of right hand. Now on Thursday, experiencing stiffness in same, with discomfort all the way up my arm to my shoulder. Received shot at local RiteAid; received there last year without any issues. Plan to contact pharmacist tomorrow; perhaps MD as well. Hope this subsides soon.
Jessica
New York
I had the flu shot one week ago and my arm has gotten worse, not better.
It is so tender in the muscle, yet I will get sharp jabs or sudden pain when doing specific things. This is awful.
Ray
Richmond Va
Oct 26 2016
I got a flu Quad shot yesterday morning and was in perfect health for my age walking into CVS. I felt a little tingling down my arm to three of my fingers after leaving. No big deal. Within 6 hours after the shot I started having knee pain mainly in the left knee on the same side I got the shot but some in the right knee too. By 10 o’clock I could hardly walk and almost crawled going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Same pain today took a visit to my doc, and he suggested an anti-inflammatory which I’m waiting for my wife to bring home because I can hardly walk. I don’t care what anyone says: this came from the flu shot, and you can’t tell me otherwise. What was in that shot?
Linda
I went to the doctors on October 19, 2016 I received a flu shot my arm started to feel swollen and hot and I felt a bump the size of a Pea at the injection site it increased two days and ismuch bigger it’s hot in the area Where my arm is red ,hot and and swollen I also feel flulike symptoms weakness ,difficulty breathing, headache and difficulty sleeping I called my doctor office and the receptionist or nurse told me to put on ice pack on my arm I hope this helps also experiencing uncomfortable pain but this arm where the injection site is
Kim
Louisiana
I had the flu shot the last three years at the hospital where I work. Ever since I had the shot I have had very bad arm pain. Some days I can’t even lift my arm over my head to remove my shirt. It hurts so bad some days I can’t use my arm, I’ve gotten cortisone shots but they only temporary relieve the pain and then it returns . I’ve asked nurses and doctors and no one believes it’s from the flu shot. It’s just a really good coincidence that I only have problems in that arm since the flu shot and it gets worse every year when I get the shot. I would love to know who to contact to start tracking this side effect since I am reading that I am not the only one with this arm pain…..
Marlene
Youngstown OH
Just had a flu shot in my left arm and a pneumonia shot in my right arm yesterday from my family dr. Last night the pain in my left arm was so terrible I couldn’t sleep.
Today, it is still so sore I can’t even touch my arm and if someone even bumps it think I would fall to pieces crying. Actually got flu like symptoms today. Right arm is fine, but flu shot arm is horrible.
WTH?
Megan
Ohio
Had my annual flu shot 3 weeks ago at work. The person who gave it gave it high on my arm. Now still pain that wakes me up. Nsaids helped but as soon as I stop them it hurts again.
Lisa
Ohio
I got the flu shot Monday of last week and about two days afterwards, I had horrible pain in the same arm. I have not done anything to cause this. A week later, it has moved down my arm and into my hand and I cannot trust my hand to hold anything. The pain and weakness is almost unbearable. I keep thinking it’s going to go away but the pain increases. I don’t know what to do. :(
Steve
Wales. UK
My Wife has the jab due to being in the NHS and has just been referred to physio after two years of pain after a flu jab. Sometimes she is in tears with the pain and sometimes it’s not too bad. But it just doesn’t go away.
I’m not sure physio will help as she gets more pain when lifting her arm. I’m looking for anything I can do that might help other than with chores, kids etc. Pain killers don’t help much. Muscle gel helps ease it some. Anything else?
The doctors don’t seem to know anything about it and don’t see the relation between this and the jab?
mandy
Devon
I had a flu vaccine last Friday,everything was fine until Saturday evening when my arm became itchy from the jab over the days my arm has swollen and is red and hot ..Now I’ve got serious pain in my neck and shoulder and its limiting my breathing..
Eric
Princeton
It was suggested by my primary several years ago that I recieve a flu shot each year because I lost my spleen in an accident, leading to hire risk of infection. My employer offers a free flu shot as a “benefit” which in most cases seemed to be. I have never had any real side effects from prior shots. This year I have had a dull headache since the shot for a few days now. As I write this I am going to make an appointment and go speak to my doctor again on the need and possible effects if he does not offer much, I will find another doctor.
Ruth
Pennsylvania
I get a flu shot from my doctor every year. This year, I received a flu shot from CVS on Friday. No adverse effects until Monday afternoon when my arm started throbbing down my arm. I thought maybe I was having a heart attack.
It is several days later, and I cannot lift my arm over my head, and using it causes a lot of pain. I have tingling in my fingers. I can’t sleep and doing anything is difficult without experiencing a lot of pain. Even taking Aleve doesn’t help at all.
Betty
Olympia,Washington 98513
I had the quadruple flu shot on Sept 1st 2016. My arm is still sore from the shot. It’s now Oct.5th. The slightest movement makes it hurt. I ALSO am sick from this. I have chills, am hurting all over, I’m so weak!
I have notified my Doc. She said take Tylenol. It has NOT helped. What to do!!?? I’m never doing this AGAIN!
Fi
Cambridge. England
I’ve been having the flu vaccine every year for the past 5 years and apart from minor discomfort at the injection site, I’ve experienced no problems.
However, since having the vaccine yesterday, both my husband and I are experiencing awful aches and pains throughout our bodies. I actually found it difficult to get out of bed this morning and the aches and pains have shown no sign of easing as yet. I’m interested in knowing if the vaccination has changed in the last 12 months.
Vicki
Missouri
I am a nurse and have to get a flu shot every year. I have never had an issue other than mild soreness around injection site. Yesterday I got my shot and like another person said, I’ve been trying to figure out what I did to my arm/ hand. My hand has a deep pain , as does my wrist and elbow . It feels like bone pain or deep bruising. Very uncomfortable and can’t sleep. I certainly hope it goes away. I’ve just never felt it like this before. Hmmm. Interesting posts
Lesly
Florida
I just left the Emergency Room down here in South Florida to be sarcastically told that these symptoms are “all in my head” and perhaps I am on a New Medication that could be causing all of these DREADFUL Side Effects…? I am in my 40’s and am in perfect physical health. I Bike 15 miles a day, every day. 2 weeks ago, the grocery store Pharmacist so casually asked me if I wanted a Flu Shot. I have NEVER had a Flu Shot in my ENTIRE Life. Thus, 3 different times, I asked him if there were ANY side effects whatsoever. He simply asked me if I was “Allergic to Eggs”. I’m not. He then stated I might experience a “sore arm”. I did but at least he forewarned me of that minor situation.
What this so-called “Pharmacist” did NOT warn me about were all of the other severe conditions that caused to me to frantically rush to the closest Emergency Room available tonight! I had this Influenza “Shot” over 2 weeks ago. I was fine and biked home. That night, I acquired the STRANGEST Metallic Taste in my mouth. Almost like the taste of Blood but there was absolutely NOTHING bleeding in my mouth. This rotten bitter taste is now just STARTING to dissipate, after 14 days. I can ALMOST TASTE what I’m eating again.
Fine, that I dealt with – the sore arm I dealt with – but was it truly NECESSARY to “feel like I HAD the Flu” for over a week? It was as if the symptoms of an authentic case of the Flu had come upon me with absolutely No Warning at all! Fever, aches, pains, etc. I went back to the Pharmacy the very next day. The Pharmacist advised me that I am one of the small population that actually BECOMES ill after the shot. I informed him I had JUST GOTTEN OVER a MAJOR FLU. Now I had it AGAIN??! I asked him what on earth was IN that vaccine. He answered, “A type of dead Flu”. Well, that’s just great; I was advised to simply treat it like I had the Flu all over AGAiN. The Symptoms were gone in less than a week. But NOW? Since the very first night of the shot, I experienced a truly bizarre sensation in my right FOOT. My foot felt like it kept falling “asleep” – the typical “Pins and Needles” sensation. It spread to my left foot – then my legs. Last night, it hit Both Hands. I am TERRIFIED. This is precisely how G. Barr Disease begins. .. I cannot rid myself of the Pins and Needles feelings nowthroughout my entire body.
The Quack at the Emergency Room tried blaming it on my 15 year old medication. I nearly stormed out at that very second. She then claimed if it was indeed G.Barr Disease, I would have been PARALYZED already. Gee, thanks. She prescribed Steroids. I cannot believe I am going through ALL of this because of one lousy Flu Shot. And, a Pharmacist that did NOT inform me of these DEADLY side effects when questioned 3-4 times. When – (IF) – will my Feet return to normal? It’s STINGING now simply to WALK! And now it has reached up to all of my fingers!! The most horrifying aspect of this is when the Pharmacist and Doctors simply stare at me in disbelief and possess the utter audacity to literally label me a Hypochondriac! I have so many other problems in my life (visually impaired) than to waste time and energy complaining of a wretched taste in my mouth and Tingling throughout my entire body.
I’m actually CRYING now from all of this – all because of some UNECCESSARY Shot that I never needed to begin with. To top it all off, when the Pharmacist discovered my Insurance covered the entire price of the one Influenza shot, he exclaimed so excitedly, “Hey! I can save you ANOTHER $450.00! Let’s add on a Pneumonia Shot!!” (I don’t even want to KNOW WHAT dead garbage could possibly be in THAT Vaccine.. I just want my ? Feet ? back.)
Larissa
Michigan
I got the shot in my buttocks on September 1st, and in about 12 hours I noticed that my leg muscles became very sore and very weak. It’s been 3 days, and my legs are still killing me. Last night my nose started running, and this morning I woke up nauseous. Has anyone else experienced this?? They gave me the shot in the rear because I have two toddlers that hang on my arms all day so I didnt want my arms to feel weak. Never had any issues before also got the shot there last year.
Rhoda
PA
I got my flu shot last fall and within in a week started to develop pain in my right shoulder (shot was in right arm). I didn’t put it together. Over time, both shoulders started to bother me until it became debilitating, with pain radiating down my arms whenever I moved. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and had x-rays done. There was no explanation for the pain. I tried PT for 4 months and watched other people come and go, but never really got better. It’s now been 10 months and many doctors later with no explanation. I’ve started seeing a holistic doctor who just asked me to take bamboo ash, which I began yesterday. I don’t know if the flu shot was causal, but it certainly is coincidental and I’ll not be getting another flu shot. I’ve lost nearly a year of my life to this. It is horrible and saddening. Even if I do solve this, getting another flu shot to test whether there is a relationship is pointless outside a controlled clinical environment.
Cindy
PA
I had similar experience with a vaccine injection, pain that evening,bwhich was Oct 2015.I still have pain and found out I have SIRVA (shoulder injury resulting from vaccine administration). The shot was given too high in my arm and caused an injury, also localized reaction from the vaccine itself being put in wrong area. Check out federal vaccine compensation program for people with this injury. Not much made the pain better and PT therapy helped with weakness for a while but still have activities that are difficult. Drs. look at you like you are crazy and many are not aware of this increasing problem, which is due in part to people giving vaccines who are not following CDC guidelines, and have not had much experience doing it. Hope this helps.
Meri
California
Rhoda, I got my first quad shot because I just turned 65 and thought I would be better protected, since I got the regular shot last year with no reaction but got the flu anyway. I developed a large lump at injection site, with swelling and redness. The redness is gone but I am left with a good sized lump in my left arm and a fair amount of pain. I don’t know if it was the way it was given, or the shot itself. Either way this was the last of my flu shots. I got mine at Target Pharmacy, the pharmacist was very rough and it hurt immediately. I can’t even get my internist on the phone. I hope this goes away.
Bruce
Mabank
My shoulder pain began two flu reasons ago. My employer requires me get the flu vaccine shot. The first flu shot I took in my right shoulder. The pain wasn’t bad to start with but as time progressed the pain continued to increase. Three weeks in I couldn’t raise my arm above my head or put my hand behind my back. I am physically active and thought I had injured my shoulder some how. I went to my family MD and he thought I had a rotator cuff tear and referred me to a specialist. Being a guy I didn’t go. Four moths post flu injection the pain began to subside, by five months the pain was all but gone. The next year I had the Flu injection in my left arm this time the pain was worse (my wife had to help me put my shirts and jacket on) and again the pain was bad and only began to subside after five months. The flu shot is definitely not worth the physical pain or the time it causes me to be away from the activities I love.
Kathy
Portland, OR
After getting a flu shot ever year for the past couple of decades, I’ve begun to have trouble. In October 2014, I received my vaccine from the same nurse who have been giving them to me. The next day, my arm muscle was sore. The muscle continued to become weak, painful and debilitating. It was difficult to use the arm & lasted for about 4 months before returning to normal.
I spoke with the nurse several times and we both thought a nerve may have been nicked and we were not too worried. In October 2015, I received another flu shot from the same nurse and again. The soreness, pain and weakness have returned. It is now nearly June 2016 (8 months) later and I’m still having the problem. Some use has returned to the arm but it is painful and I still have difficulty raising the arm.
I’m right handed and luckily, my vaccine is always in my left arm. Otherwise, I would be completely disabled. I have spoken with the nurse several times and she has now stated that she does not recommend future flu vaccines for me and will not administer them to me.
Onda
Raleigh,NC
Years ago I had a flu shot in my right arm. I thought my pain would eventually go away. I could hardly use my arm. I suffered for 6 months. After going to the dentist for a “gum tear”, I was prescribed penicillin. My pain in my arm went away immediately. I was so relieved and happy that I did not have to endure this pain for the rest of my life. I could actually raise my arm again without pain. I’ve had flu shots before without problems. My doctor was clueless and not helpful at all during my suffering. Thank God I had a gum tear. Now I will only receive flu shots in my left arm and I hope to never have this problem again.
Antoinette
Illinois
I had a flu shot in September 2015; My arm was not sore immediately or several days later. Withing the month of receiving the injection, my left arm (where injected) became sore but I continued life as usual and my nursing job as usual. The arm became sorer and sorer each month and yes, I am a stubborn person and do not go to the Dr often or easily. Finally I made an appointment with my primary MD who said she thought it was busitis/tendonitis and to do exercises and go to physical therapy. I did the exercises….no better. Went to Orthopedic surgeon who gave me a cortisone injection and said stretch exercises. He also told me about flu vaccine adverse effects when no trauma was involved. I have never had shoulder issue or trauma. A month later and still no better, even worse, I have difficulty with many movements, especially upward and outward. Sometimes so much pain I cry. Now, I am going to PT; What’s next?? Nothing has helped and it is going the wrong direction. It is terribly depressing when suddenly entire movement becomes critical and nothing helps, not anti-inflammatory med, ice, heat, E-stim, ultrasound, previous steroid injection, exercises, and now PT. I am praying for healing.
Noelene
Australia
I had the flu shot in 2014, also experienced pain and difficulty sleeping almost immediately after the jab. I experience weakness in both arms from the shoulders to the elbow and used one arm to raise the other. My visit to my local GP haven’t resolved the issue but now two years on I’m slowly improving . Im a nurse also and did manage to continue work with pain relief. I commenced myself on magnesium , vitamin c and multivitamin. I will take my chances from now on without any more flu vaccines .
Chuck
Milan, IN
I received the flu shot (CVS) on 11/18/15, Monday morning at 2AM was awaken with severe pain in all my joints and swelling in my hands and fingers. I could not get out of bed and had trouble dressing myself, the pain, stiffness, tingling in my hands, numbness in fingers, swollen hands and fingers never did go away.
It feels like I have a lit cigarette laying on my arms and legs. I have lost my grip in my hands (dropping tools, ink pens, etc.) I have been to my family doctor, a neurologist and several specialists, I have had a MRI, EMG, Spinal Tap and a lot of blood tests but still no answers to what is causing my illness.
I am 65 years and have never been sick, I worked 20 years and never missed a day of work. It is now to the point that I may have go on medical disability.
Thank You for letting me vent my frustration.
Amanda
Queensland
I got the flu shot, and since then I have been sick. I have lost count how many times I have had cold-like symptoms. I’m at home at the moment. It starts with a sore throat, and then my body hurts all over. I can’t smell, taste, and have a fever. I have never been so sick in my life. I have had flu vaccine every year previously, and I have never been sick.
Timothy
My wife got a flu shot in October 2015 and has had persistent pain in her arm at the injection sight. We work out regularly and it has been getting worse for her recently. Sometimes the pain in the arm wakes her up at night, or hugging her too hard produces pain. We’ve been left with no recourse but to limit activities that involve her shoulder muscles for at least four months.
pam
uk
My Mum had a flu vaccination in November 2015 and since then has had a painful and swollen arm. This has severely affected her quality of life and nothing really eases the pain. When she received the vaccination the nurse apparently went at it like a javelin thrower and really hurt her. She is going for an x ray tomorrow and hopefully we can get some answers to this distressing situation.
Jenny
California
Oh my gosh me too. I got the flu shot oct 2015. All my joint s on the left side excruciating pain. 6 months later my wrist still swells and hurts so bad. I am not able to hold a plate with my left hand. Oh my i don’t know what to do
Christy
McDonough, Ga
I too am like many others that are feeling the same and thought I was crazy. I got my flu shot in October at my doctors office, the next day my arm was sore, red and I could hardly move it in certain directions (putting on a bra, flexing upwards, sleeping on it and others). I had a client that was a doctor and asked him and he said it was probably a reaction to the filler stuff they add into it. This went on for a few weeks and now it still comes and goes depending on my level of activity. I am in shape and work out, so I know it is not just random that I did something out of the ordinary and it is just in the arm that I got the flu shot in. I will never get another one! I keep hoping it will go away, but 5 months later I am still in pain. Someone said your arm feels like a dead weight, and I can relate. What we think is safe for us, only hurts us- madness!
Rena
Avondale az
I’m a nurse who had the flu shot in October 2015. It is now February 10, 2016 and the pain in my left arm is so bad that I am unable to lift my arm to the side, wash my hair, shave my armpit, or move my arm pretty much most of the time. I had to quit working in the facility due to the severity of the pain, weakness, and not being able to lift patients or even push the medcart. That particular facility gave me an ultimatum to get the flu shot or no job, their ADON did the vaccination. I went to the emergency room but no luck there. The P.A said it was my clavicle. I’m not a MD, but I do know it isn’t clavicle related. The pain is getting worse every day.
Wendy
Central Florida
I wrote in before about the flu shot that I had back in October and the persistent arm pain since then. It is a tad better now, but only a tad. Just as recent as this past Sunday, I was watching the Super Bowl and suddenly my arm just began aching. Even now the arm is very tender in the area where the shot was given and it is hard to raise it at times. Will this ever get better? What exactly is going on?
Lauren
Pennsylvania
I just searched this today because my arm has been very sore deep in the muscle were injection was, I was thinking maybe a nerve was hit but I don’t get shooting pain. But I can’t lift arm out to side, it is weak and I am afraid now because we are fired if we refuse flu vaccine.
I am so angry that I need to be subjected to this just to keep my job.
Andrea
Kansas
I received the flu shot 6 weeks ago. Since then, I have had extreme pain, and muscle weakness that has made life hard for me. I have a 9 week old baby, it hurts to the point where I have a hard time holding her, or to even have her head on my shoulder. My arm feels bruised, all the way to my forearm, my muscle feels like there is a needle inside of it. The pain radiates to my fingers at times. I talked to my Dr., he didn’t say much about it except “try to take some Tylenol” which I do, but I feel like that’s not a real solution, and really doesn’t help that much. This is horrible. I can’t sleep, it hurts so bad. I broke down and cried last night because I want this pain to go away. The pain from this stupid little flu shot is much worse than the ‘after pain’ of my epidural shot. What did they do to me?
Sherry
New Jersey
So glad to find this site, thank you everyone for sharing , I thought I was going crazy until I read all the comments. I got my flu shot on January 25th, only my second time ever having one. That night I lost my voice out of the clear blue, got a migraine and felt badly. The next day my left arm started to hurt and swell at the injection site. I felt better on day 4 but my arm was still sore. Day 5 my arm started itching very badly and was still red and swollen. Day 6 I started to feel soreness in my left elbow and left thigh. Now it’s day 7 and It’s hard to lift my arm and bend my elbow and my leg right above my knee is very sore and tender. I just hope this is not long lasting, wish I didn’t get the shot, I already missed 2 days from work.
nita
oswego,ny
I cry too. The pain and nerve jumping, I can’t sleep. My text is short. I’m in so much pain, got flu shot oct 1 2015, its feb 9th 2016. It’s so upsetting.
Deb
McMinnville, OR
I received a trivalent flu shot at our local Walgreens on December 31. Within 2 days, I experienced significant deltoid muscle weakness with accompanying pain when I lifted my left arm. Now, almost a month later, I can raise my arm forward and backward but still have problems raising my arm at a 90-degree angle to my body. Very strange. If I lift my left arm (using my right arm to assist) it will stay up but I can’t get it up there without help.
Denise
Oklahoma
I had my flu shot in early Nov 2015. It’s now late Feb 2016 and my arm pain hasn’t stopped! The very min the nurse stuck the needle in my arm I felt extreme pain. I can’t sleep on that arm at all because the pain the next day is horrible. I have to wear button up blouses. I can’t stand to raise my arm. I have to try to wash my hair with one arm. I already have arthritis and chronic neck and back pain with degenerative disc disease. This is a horrible constant pain and I can only move my arm certain ways very carefully. My Dr hopes that it will go away with time.
Susan
San Francisco Bay Area
I am an RN who, for many years, has been “poo-pooing” the notion that the flu shot can cause flu-like symptoms. The literature tells us that’s not true, right?! We even had posters around the hospital stating that as one of the myths around flu shots.
I was embarrassed & horrified this season that I actually did have those symptoms for about 24 hrs, starting the morning after the injection. But the main reason I’m writing this is to join the ranks of all you people who have had lasting effects.
Since having the vaccination several months ago in my left non-dominant arm, I have had chronic muscle aching, not shoulder but mid-deltoid, & moderate weakness & decrease in range of motion of my upper arm- unlike anything I have ever experienced before. What is a very dull ache became an excruciating pain when I would periodically take my blood pressure in that arm- starting about 2 weeks later. I would actually wince audibly in pain when the automatic cuff reached a certain level of pressure. The pain was very deep in the deltoid muscle & would subside only after the pressure was relieved. So I began using my right arm for my occasional spot check of BP.
The pain still occurs when I periodically “test” my left arm. Now, having read all these postings, & many on other sites, I know that it’s not “all in my head” & I will make an appointment to see my physician, whose assistant administered my injection. I might add that it was given only slightly high. Would I have called her attention to it, had I been concerned? I’m not sure. I do appreciate & thank you all for sharing your stories-I wish you speedy healing.
Rena
Avondale az
Hi Susan,
I’m a nurse as well so I understand completely. I can’t tuck my shirt in my pants, brush my hair using my left hand, I am unable to perform very simple tasks or adls. I take alot of ibuprofen daily (3000mg), occasionally more. Was prescribed muscle relaxers, tylenol with codeine, oxys, etc. Nothing works. It is definitely a deep, deep ache that is constant, but is more severe when lifting my arm to the side. It also radiates down my arm into my fingers. It is not nerve pain but that deep ache you mentioned.
Tonia
West Midlands UK
I am 52 years old and I have been having the flu jab for the last forteen years and other than a little soreness for a few days round the injection site, that is until the past two years when I have had prolonged muscle pain that also restricts movement and rotation. Last year I had the jab in my left arm an for six months I couldn’t sleep on that side and my movement was restricted, I put this down to a nerve being hit but eighteen months on I am still having mild discomfort.
This year I opted to have the jab in my right arm and the same thing has happened again but this time I’m finding it more difficult as it is my dominant hand. I’m three months on and it’s still not improving maybe I’ll have it in my butt next year if I have it at all.
KIN
Miami, FL, USA
This is my third year getting the shot, but this year something is really wrong. I got the shot at my doctor’s office in Nov., 2015. In December, while gardening outside at dusk, my left pinky finger swelled up, & my whole left arm/hand was painfully weak/numb. I thought maybe it was an allergic reaction to a bug bite, even though I had no visible puncture wound. Then I thought maybe it was my Vit D supplement. This tingling weakness has continued, coming & going at times. It was easing somewhat, but last week I needed the Tdap vaccine. I was fine after that shot. But last night the painful numbness was really bad. Enough for me to search to see if maybe the shots were the problem. Now I see that lots of other people have the same side effect reaction to the original flu shot.
VB
Toronto
It’s been almost 3 months since my shot and I googled “flu shot and arm pain” today because I still cannot sleep on the side that was used due to sharp shoulder pain. The arm is also much weaker. Will it ever resolve?…
Denise
innisfil ontario
Yes I had the flu shot back in December and here it is now February and my arm is very very sore where the injection was and the whole site around it feels like as if its bruised there like I got kicked in there in the arm and also I’ve been experiencing like a burning sensation kind of around my across the back I don’t know if that has anything to do with it but yeah it all started with the flu shot I don’t think I’ll be doing this again next year
Susan
Moore
I received my Flu shot last October. A few hours after my Flu shot in my right arm, I started having right side pain. My ribs hurt so bad I thought I had bruised them. I have had months of tests and ER visits and I still can’t get an answer. Has anyone else had rib or stomach pain after their flu shot?
Debbie
NJ
My husband received the flu shot on October31, 2015 and is still experiencing severe pain in his right arm. The pain is worse at times. He is unable to sleep on his side because of it. If he is sleeping and turns on his right side the pain is so severe that it wakes him up. I also received the flu shot around the same time as we both work in the healthcare field and I had no reaction to it. I believe his shot was given incorrectly.
Hattie
Portland Oregon
I am a Public Heath Nurse and get a flu vaccine annually to protect myself and my patients. I Googled “arm pain and flu shots” tonight because my arm has been weak, painful and I’ve had tingling in my hand for five months. It’s so bad some days that I am unable to carry a purse!
Kara
rio rancho, nm
I ha.d the flu shot in Oct 2014 and still have neck and shoulder pains. I also had a tetanus booster shot around the same time, so not sure if my aches are from one or the other, or a combination of both. Been to many doctors. Now trying physical therapy, but no matter what exercise I try to do, it hurts even worse. Feels like muscle/nerve damage. Not sure if this will ever go away completely
Betty
Georgia
This is the last time I will get a flu shot. I received mine the end of Oct, and the arm pain has been a nightmare. I would much rather have had the flu. The thing is the healthcare professionals don’t seem to know (or care) about what to do about it. The first doctor I saw looked at me like I was crazy and just prescribed Naproxen. I then talked to a nurse who recommended taking B-12 and Magnesium. I went to another doctor who prescribed Neurontin (which I wouldn’t take). To make matters worse, I went back to the place where the nurses are that came to my workplace and gave the shots. The nurse I talked to tried to dismiss everything I said. I certainly hope everyone can get to feeling better!
Sam
Jackson
I got the flu vaccine December 23rd as part of a forced vaccination program at work. On January 2 I developed severe shoulder pain/inflammation (eg. rotator cuff tear or bursitis symptoms) in the same location as the shot and could not move it for several days. Ice, anti-inflammatories, rest, and rehabilitation are slowly returning it to normal. Could be a coincidence, but next year I’ll be watching to see if it happens again in the same time period.
It is not impossible to study this phenomenon. One way to determine if this is the shot or coincidence would be to monitor the incidence of shoulder pain and dysfunction (requiring treatment) in the vaccinated population and see if the rates are going up and have a seasonal bias.
REGINA
MD
I got a flu shot on 12/28/2015 after about a week I started feeling pain and weakness. It is going on wk 2 and the pain and/or weakness has not gotten any better. I am in so much pain that I can’t sleep and my arm feels like dead weight. I have had the shot before and never had this kind of problem. Don’t think I will be getting anymore flu shots…
Katie
File a workers compensation claim
Chris
Elmira, New York
I received the flu shot for the very first time in December about two weeks before Christmas. Have been experiencing weakness, limitations and arm pain ever since. Didn’t realize it was due the flu shot until I thought about what I could’ve done to myself to have this ongoing arm pain and weakness and then found these comments. I’m thinking I may not get another flu shot. Do I want the flu? NO. But 3-5 (?) days of the flu compared to 5 weeks so far of pain, weakness, limited motion and limited mobility, I’m not sure which is worse. My pain isn’t really up on the arm where the vaccination was given. Mine seems to be right around the elbow but not the elbow itself. That is one reason why I wasn’t sure what I had done to it and didn’t associate it with the flu vaccine until now.
Margi
West Sussex
l had a flu jab on the lst October 2015, since then l have had severe pain in my left arm, l can barely lift my arm without the pain getting worse, l have had the Flu Jabs for years and never have l been affected by these side affects, l am at a loss as to know what kind of treatment can help allieviate
this problem
S
Coventry, CT
Received flu shot early in December 2015…I woke up the next morning , barely able to raise either arm, and with pain and swelling in both hands. I was hard to use my hand to pull down the covers and get out of bed. The site of the injection was extremely sore,and the feeling in my whole body was similar to allergic reactions to medications I have had in the past. My doctor was confused by the way symptoms presented themselves in both arms. Taking prednisone for a week relieved the symptoms, but they came back within 2 days after I stopped this medication. Then I took Alleve for 6 days, which had no effect at all. I has been over a month now. My feet would also swell up while taking the Alleve.
It’s been over a month now, and tho the symptoms aren’t as severe as the first few days, I still have pain and swelling in my hands, pain in my arms and forearms. I don’t consider more steroids an option, and the health care professionals don’t seem to have an answer.
Jarod
Indiana
I have had the same reaction, swelling both hands, incredible pain in both shoulders, elbows, arms and wrists. Taking benadryl, seems to help. Git shot last Thursday, symptons appeared gradually on Friday and Saturday.
Jess
Canada
I get the flu vaccine every year. It causes some discomfort for a couple days then I’m fine. This year is different though, 2 months after my shot I’m still suffering shooting burning pain. I’m a nurse and I know the person gave it wrong. If you’re having lasting symptoms right down your arm you have the same problem as me. She hit a nerve with the needle. It’s not the flu vaccine itself to blame. It’s the person who gave you the shot.
Joe Graedon
Jess,
We completely understand that some flu shots are given incorrectly leading to pain and long-lasting complications. But over the last year or so there seem to be a rash of complaints about severe pain and long-lasting complications associated with influenza vaccinations. It seems hard to believe that so many health professionals are giving the shots incorrectly. Are you sure something hasn’t changed with the flu shot itself?
Crissy
Marion
I have the same problem. Got the end of October and my arm is killing me. I can barely hold a can of soda. I’m a long distance runner and this is putting a damper on my schedule. My arm hurts so bad today I may go to the ER. Does anyone know what I can do to make this better. The shot hurt so bad when I got it I was even bleeding and I have a high pain tolerance.
Lilly
Austin
I had the flu shot at my local CVS before thanksgivings. I have strong bone pain that comes and goes in the arms and legs, and the flat bone of the hands. I notice that the pain comes fro my he long and flat bones which coincidentally are the blood producing bones in the body.. I’m scared!
Ro
New Jersey
I have severe pain in my arm after receiving the flu shot in September 2015. It is now December 29th and my arm is almost useless. The pain wakes me up at night. I get shooting pain even when my arm is not moving. What kind of doctor do I see for this? My family doc who administered the shot said it is not from the shot but could be a torn ligament, rotator cuff or bursitis. I totally disagree. Please suggest what type of specialist can help me. Thank you.
Katie
I would contact a neurologist
Jane
West Sussex
Had a flu jab 5 weeks ago all was good, then suddenly my arm was hurting over a space of 3 days I was in terrible pain, I am only 51 and I could not dress myself or drive as my arm was so painful, neck all the way down my arm to my hand in fact there was not much I could do, the doctor gave me strong painkillers and cortizone injection as he said it’s a frozen shoulder I’m not convinced.
My husband had his flu jab the same day in the opposite arm to me and he’s got the same symptoms and I mentioned this to the GP and he looked at me as if I was mad.
Carolynn
I am an RN who has had flu vaccine every year for decades. This year I have pain that stops me in my tracks, more than two months later, when I move my arm to the back or up to the side. I think the injection was given just below the deltoid into the tendon, since there is a firm area there that is sore with massage. I would appreciate any feedback re this possibility and/or possible treatment. Thank you.
Laura
WI
As a nurse it is also mandatory for me to have a flu shot. After last years, I ended up with pain and weakness that spread to both arms. Months of OT to get it working again. This year after the flu shot I took benadryl on advice from the nurse who administered the injection to try to ward off the same thing happening again. The first two weeks I just had some soreness, now I am back to the pain and weakness again. There are times I cannot open jars or lift anything with my arms. The pain at times is up to a level 8. Since this is the second time, my doc said no more flu shots! I’ve started doing the nerve glides and exercises I did last time, hoping not to have all the expense a second time. It is reassuring that there are other people like me who get these strange reactions!
Kristen
Virginia
I received the flu shot 3 days ago. I am currently dealing with muscle weakness and severe aches in both of my arms, but mostly in the left where the shot was administered., as well as achiness in my neck and shoulders, and a moderate to severe headache that does not seem to want to go away. In the past, I have never experienced any sort of side effect from this vaccination.
Lisa
Boston
I have the exact symptoms as well at the injection site. Severe muscle soreness and pain, that radiates at times for over a month now. I will file a complaint with the CDC because this is absurd. I have always gotten the flu shot and never experienced this. If anyone has had good results from a specialist that got to the bottom of this then please post. I am so aggravated by this!!
Milan
Florida
I have been having flu shots once every year for the last 8 years or so. I have never had any bad effects until this year. I got the shot at around 10 am, I was feeling very sick that evening, night and the day after. I started feeling fine couple of days later, except for the pain in my upper arm.
Unfortunately even now, about two months later, I am still feeling the pain in my upper arm. I am hoping that the pain will eventually go away, but I do not think that I will be taking the flu shot ever again.
Girl
FL
I also have had ongoing pain after a flu shot. I’ve always had a yearly flu shot, so don’t think it was the contents of the syringe.i also am not getting any answers from the medical community. My internist as well as the orthopedic doc she sent me to have blown off my pain. Does anyone know of a doc in south FL who is experienced in diagnosing and treating this pain? I cannot carry a purse on my right side anymore, and wearing a bra to work five days a week is unbearable. So is simply dressing and undressing, driving to work, and much more. Help!
Karen
North Dakota
I had my annual flu shot on Oct. 22 2015. Have never had any problems with prolonged soreness, just the usual 2-3 days of achy arm. This time my arm is still very sore, with muscle weakness, and it is Dec. 8. I feel something could be wrong with this vaccine. I will report it to the CDC.
christina
jackson ms
I received my annual flu shot in october and my injection site is very sore. I have taken many shots and have never had after pain. I regret taking the shot.
Dianna
Georgia
I am a nurse and had my mandatory flu vaccine at work. I have received an annual flu vaccine for over 20 years. Since receiving this year’s vaccine, I have had extreme muscle aches and pains that are not relieved by Tylenol or Advil. My husband received his vaccine from Publix Pharmacy a week before me and has the same symptoms. I do not know how long this is going to last but neither of us is usually ill and this is miserable. I have reported this to the CDC.
Janey
Mi
Received the shot yesterday. Went from Walgreens to the grocery store. My arm became so hot, and itchy I tore off my jacket and it was swollen and red. Today my arm is so sore I and I have a red area the size of a softball and it hurts down to my wrist. I have never had this kind of reaction to any shot. Don’t know if I would do this again!
Kate
NJ
I received the “quad” flu shot about a month ago and am still experiencing soreness in my shoulder near the injection site. The shot itself was not especially painful, but the soreness, and pain when I raise my arm, persists. I went to an Urgent Care doctor and she does not see any sign of nerve damage or allergy.
Alexandra P.
Long Island NY
I had flu shot on 11/30/15 and 15 hrs later I developed severe lower back stiffness which is not going away.
I am a nurse practitioner and the Hospital I work for makes it very difficult for people who refuse flu shots. I feel horrible. Lumbar. Stiffness, hamstring pain.
I wonder if it will ever go away.
I will never take it again.
If symptoms persist I want to sue the manafacturer.
Ruth
Dallas, Tx.
I received a flu shot on October 7, and the injection site is still sore at times. The pain is intermittent and has not made me unable to function normally–aside from being unable to sleep on that arm– but this pattern of discomfort is unusual for an injection. It does, however, parallel a similar soreness that followed my flu shot last year–that took several months to disappear. Having read the comments on this site from other people who are coping with worse after-effects, I now suspect that the long-term soreness is not idiosyncratic but somehow connected to the flu vaccine. For the record, I received my injection from my regular doctor’s nurse, who does know how to give a shot.
Betty
San Diego
Long term side effect? I got my senior-dose flu shot in mid-September, 2 months ago, had aches for most of the week, more of a reaction than I usually have to my annual flu shots. I was more tired than usual after that, and eventually started having problems finding comfortable positions for sleeping and so, difficulty sleeping. Then over a month ago I started having aches and pains in shoulders and neck, sometimes hips, some muscle weakness, stiffness at night and in the morning. That escalated and I became more tired and more sore, slept poorly, lost appetite and weight. When I was moving around for a while, I seemed to be mostly pain-free, though weak. Stillness, in sleeping or sitting or lying around brought on the stiffness and pains again. When I finally went to the doctor, my sedimentation rate, which indicates inflammation, was quite high. I was diagnosed with PMR (polymyalgia rheumatica), cause unknown, related to immune system problems, genes, environment. Prednisone seems to have relieved all the stiffness and aches and pains. I have auto-immune conditions, including type 1 diabetes. I asked my doctor if this PMR could be related to the flu shot? She thought ‘no’. I do wonder. Anyone else out there with similar?
Sarah
Saint Louis
My primary insisted that I get a flu shot this year as I work in childcare. After much consideration, I decided that it would be fine. I had my vaccine a month ago. About 5 minutes after the shot, the injection site swelled and was terribly itchy. My arm ached for a week. Now, a month later, I’m getting random burning at the injection site. It feels like someone is holding a match to my arm for up to five minutes at a time. It’s so bizarre. Every time I feel it, I look at my arm and there’s no redness and the injection site is no longer visible. What could be causing this burning sensation??
Jennifer RN BSN
Sacramento
As an RN, I felt it was my duty to comply and get the vaccination, so I did 3 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve had moderate pain in my right shoulder and mild weakness in my dominant arm.
The pain has migrated as well. While the pain persisted in my right shoulder, it moved to my right shoulder-neck area, LEFT shoulder-neck area, returned to my RIGHT shoulder- neck area, then RIGHT forearm followed by the bicep. The pain and weakness persists in my right shoulder.
Last night I was trying to cut a piece of meat but the pain in my shoulder got worse. This sucks. I’m beginning to wonder if it’ll resolve. How will I be able to lift my patients or continue in my career that cost me tens of thousands for tuition?
The Feds mandate that hospital employees are offered the flu vaccination. Every employee MUST take the flu shot or sign a declination. If one declines then one must wear a surgical mask while working. I chose the vaccination because I didn’t want to wear an uncomfortable mask for 12 hours. Next time I will refuse the damn vaccination and wear the mask instead. I really didn’t want to be the healthcare professional discrediting the value of a vaccination.
My friend lost her healthy husband to H1N1. So, I understand the value of it. I encourage everyone to file a complaint with your doctor or wherever you’ve received the vaccine. There’s a process with NIH or CDC for complaints or reactions.
Jo
Peoria IL
I received the flu shot 10/29/2015. For the last 3 going on 4 weeks I have had severe pain and weakness in my hips and legs with numbness in toes. The pain has been so bad I can barely walk And I have fallen twice. One of my coworkers had similar symptoms after the shot but not as severe ass mine. I could sleep all the time I’m so tired. I will never get another flu shot.
Sam
Normal, IL
Along with many many other people I have experienced the same pain. I received my flu shot in the beginning of October at CVS. When I got the shot, it was very painful compared to any other shot I’ve got in the past. It was really sore for about a week then the pain calmed down dramatically. Now over a month later my arm pain has become pretty extreme. Mostly when I move my arm in a certain way I almost break out in tears it is so bad. I thought that maybe because the shot was higher up on my arm, that was the issue with the pain. Now I am nervous as to what is causing this pain but definitely don’t feel crazy anymore to hear other people are experiencing this. 20 is way too young for nerve damage so let’s pray for the best!
Mark
Oklahoma
I am in the gym 5 times a week and I noticed my workouts have been lacking. I got the flu shot about 2 months ago. I have neck shoulder and even elbow pain on my left arm which is the arm that I got the flu shot. I plan to make an appointment with my doctor next week.
Ann
Hawaii
I received the flu shot in Sept 2015 and during the shot felt an intense pain at site of injection that I have never experienced during previous flu vaccinations. Within 24 hours the pain in my arm was excruciating and I couldn’t move my arm without crying out in pain (I have a high threshold for pain). The pain felt like I had fractured my arm but I knew that I had not done anything to injure it (except for possibly injuring during exercise but certainly I would have felt it during the exercise activity of which I don’t recall) I have to keep my arm positioned in a 90 degree pose and sleep with it elevated on a pillow. I eventually had to go to the ER within two weeks of the shot because the pain was so intense, my arm was a bit swollen and my hands were cold to the touch. My doctor thought that maybe I had a bone infection but this was ruled out by an x-ray.
Two months and a prescription of prednisone and ibuprofen later the pain continues to ebb and flow with intensity. The location of the pain has gravitated from mid bicep down to upper forearm region now to just mid-bicep. My range of motion is significantly impaired and driving is difficult most days. I don’t get quality of sleep because moving my arm is painful. Now my doctor is sending me to an orthopedic. I do hope someone somewhere will have an answer to what happened to my arm and how do I fix it.
Danielle
05682
I fight the good fight against people who won’t get the shot every year, because I so believe in the collective health benefits of a good percentage of the population getting the shot. Now I feel like I can’t get my foot out of my mouth. Got the shot a week ago and have pain in my shoulder, have been nonstop, low-grade sick and am experiencing migraines at a level that is all new to me. I’m missing work because of it, and can’t really imagine why this would be such a difficult shot to recover from.
I’d had problems with the group injections before (at pharmacies or other retail outlets) because they use Thimerasol and I’m allergic to it, so I’ve gone to my doctor every year for over a decade. This is the first I’ve had any reaction since making the switch, but I might never get one again…
Cindy
Massachusetts
I got a flu shot at a CVS pharmacy 6 weeks ago. I have been getting flu shots for years with no ill effect. I thought the pharmacist gave the shot pretty high up on my arm, but what do I know. The shot hurt, a lot, and my arm was sore for several days, but no redness or swelling. The initial pain subsided, but I am left with lingering substantial pain in my shoulder near the injection site. I thought perhaps he struck the bone and it was a bone bruise, or perhaps he hit a tendon, the attachment site or something that would cause this lingering pain. I can move my arm in all directions, but have significant weakness in certain areas, particularly across the body movements and overhead movements. This impacts my daily life in dressing and household chores specifically, but all activities in general. Major impact on working out, my employment as a sports official and snowsport instructor. My doctor offered another possibility, that a nerve had been struck. Treatment is ibuprofen and heat. Sometimes the ibuprofen lessens the pain, other times, not. I believe I now may have a chronic nerve problem due to the pharmacist perhaps not being sufficient knowledgeable for the task with which he was charged. Seems pretty inappropriate, to me.
Donna
maryland
I had a flu shot back in Sept 2015. The shot itself didnt hurt at all. However by the next day my shoulder had some soreness. The pain increased everyday after that. The pain started at the injection site then moved around the entire shoulder then by the third week I had a verystiff neck and pain on the side of where the shot was given. I had decreased range of motion and could not move my arm across my body to remove my shirt. I had a cortizone injection which gave me some improvement with the range of motion. I now have neck pain and stiffness and shoulder pain after almost a month after the injection. I also get headaches. The pain does change from day to day. Sometimes its only in the neck and other days its in the shoulder and neck. If I take 800mg of IBprofin it will help me but I cant stay on that high dose of IBprofin because it will damage the kidneys.
Bre
WV
I intend on going to MedExpress tomorrow because I’m still experiencing significant pain since I received my vaccination on Oct. 12th. It originally started as pain at the site of injection (seemed very high on my arm) but now has settled in my shoulder. I have tried everything I’ve read to alleviate this pain, but it has become too much; it’s nauseating.
I hope we all find relief soon!!
Sally
Brazoria Tx
I received the flu shot from CVS in October 2015. My arm was sore for a day or so then I was fine and my arm was pain free. BUT….about 4 weeks later I am having intermittent pain at the injection site. It feels like I’m getting the shot again at times and then it is sore like when I first got it then the next day it may not hurt at all. But then again towards evening the shot pain will strike again. Then the soreness. It’s really weird and bothersome. However, It does not affect my arm function in any way . I am 46. I wish I never got the flu shot. I got the flu shot for being around infants as recommended by one of the mothers.
Pat
California
Sad but reassuring to read these posts. I am an RN and have been getting a flu shot ever sine I can remember. I got my shot 9/29 and here it is 11/15 and my entire arm is so painful I can hardly sleep at night. I can barely lift with the affected arm and would love to hear what can be done to relieve this horrible pain!
doreen
vancouver, bc
I had the flu shot weeks ago and still experiencing nerve pain in my arm and neck with tingling in the fingers. I have tried physio and chiropractic treatments and it is still there. Never had a problem before the shot. What are the treatments to relieve this pain??
Samantha
Windsor Ontario Canada
I had gotten the flu shot in my left arm on Novemeber 6, 2015… It has only been a week however I have shooting pains down my forearm and tingling occasionally with pin prick feelings. My hand also hurts as if I had hit my funny bone. I have carpel tunnel however it doesn’t hurt this bad and it started hurting the next day after the flu vaccination.. I am worried…
Sandra
Concord, NC
I received my flu shot on October 22 and have since had a burning feeling from the shot location down to my fingers along with weakness in my arm. My doctor originally had me try Lyrica for nerve damage for 10 days with little improvement. I have since reach back out to my doctor for alternative solutions to help illuminate the pain which to my surprise there were none. I now have to wait another 3 1/2 weeks to see a neurologist with hopes that they can determine what is wrong. I am not sure if it is from the flu shot itself or if it is from the location which the shot was administered.
Best wishes and speedy recovery to all
Sandra
Concord, NC
I received my flu shot on October 22 and have since had a burning feeling from the shot location down to my fingers along with and weakness in my arm. My doctor originally had me tried Lyrica for nerve damage for 10 days with little improvement. I have since reach back out to my doctor for alternative solutions to help illuminate the pain which to my surprise there were none. I now have to wait another 3 1/2 weeks to see a neurologist with hopes that they can determine what is wrong. I am not sure if it is from the flu shot itself or if it is from the location which the shot was administered.
While it is somewhat comforting to know that I am not the only one in this situation I am also saddened that we all have to deal with this pain. I say this as today is day to where I literally cry from the pain.
Best wishes and speedy recovery to all
SJ
Newton Abbot
My mom had her flu and pneumonia jabs on Monday and has been complaining of real pain in her arms. She has also been in bed with shivers and flu type syptonms. I have seen her today and she looks terrible. Age said she feels terrible and that she will never have any flu injections again. I have read that the flu jab will not give you flu and in the past I have never had an adverse reaction but after seeing my mom today I will think twice about having it in future.
Amy
charlotte nc
I am in healthcare and have direct patient contact daily Per my employer required to get flu vaccine yearly which I have always been hesitantly. Compliant. I received my flu vaccine last Monday Nov 2nd and several hours later I started to feel soreness in my arm. The pain has gotten progressively worse shooting pains down to my elbow and my arm is extremley weak I can barely lift it. I am so upset over this because I have never had this happen in years past, I am a very active 52 year old, play volleyball weekly and walk 20 miles a week and this has caused me great distress!!!! Will consider not getting vaccine next year if no relief soon!!!!!
Pat
What if anything helps this pain! I am an RN and have the same issues!
SAMUEL
Indianapolis, IN
As a psychotherapist at a hospital, I had my required flu shot on October 7, 2015. Now over a month later, I’m continuing to experience intense pain in shoulders and arms along with muscle weakness and burning sensation with any exertion. This has severely interfered with sleep and limited necessary activities. Prior to this flu vaccine, I’ve been in exceedingly good health and don’t take any medications.
Any suggestions about how to alleviate these symptoms would be greatly appreciated. I’m most concerned about lasting or permanent impairment.
Tina
Washington
Awful, long-lasting soreness in my left arm. But it gets worse, with numbness and tingling to my hand. Pain is only controlled temporarily by Excedrin or Advil, then it returns. After a month of this, I’m very concerned and seeing my physician. Has anyone experienced this and then had it stop…and when will it stop?
Kay
Townsend, MA
I had the flu shot at my physician’s office on October 15th and I cannot lift anything in that arm. I went back to the doctor’s last week because the left arm pain was so bad that I thought I might be having a heart attack. No heart attack but the arm pain is not any better. I was told to take 3 ibuprofens twice per day for 2 days and the pain and swelling would subside. It hasn’t. I will think twice before getting another flu shot.
Joanna
United States
I got the flu shot on October 22nd at ShopRite pharmacy. I have gotten a flu shot every year since approximately 1986 with no adverse reactions. This time, the nurse injected me right into my shoulder instead of the upper arm muscles, stating this is where the shot must be administered. It’s now nearly 3 weeks later and the pain in my shoulder gets worse every day! I believe she injected right into the bursa. I ongoing bursitis in my right shoulder from an injury a year ago, so I know exactly what it feels like! Now I have that same feeling in my left shoulder too. The pain is WORSE in the left at this point! It is to the point of being disabling. I guess I need to see my doctor to document this & see if he can give me something other than the Advil I have been taking for this pain. No more flu shots for me unless they agree to give it in the muscle and not the shoulder. This has been a horrible experience and I’m sure it ain’t over yet…
George
Tyneside
I had the 2015 Flu jab ion the 12th October 2015 and suffered stiffness and aches in the left arm within about two hours. I thought that it would get quickly better but sadly it didn’t. Then other side effects started to occur viz. aching across the shoulders and neck, pains in the back and legs and feeling very tired all the time.
Another side effect is when sleeping I have the most weird dreams that sometimes keep returning during the night . I do not have a high temperature so there is no fever around, blood pressure is normal. I am looking forward to overcoming this tiredness but it is not getting better.
Nancy T
Brockton. MA
I had my flu shot on Thursday November 5, 2015 at work and it is now Saturday November 7, 2015 and my left arm is so sore from my shoulder down to my elbow. I did notice that the nurse gave me the injection a lot higher on my arm than all the other years I have had it. I have been getting the flu shot every year for over 20 years and have always only had pain at the injection site only but never like this. I am also diabetic and my glucose levels have been higher than normal since I had the shot. I also have been experiencing bad headaches. Before seeking medical attention I googled severe arm pain after getting a flu shot and found this forum. At least now I know I am not alone. Thank you to all of you for sharing your information.
Rebecca
erie,pa
i recently got a flu shot about a month ago i am still suffering from soreness weakness in my bicep its rather annoying so i probably will not ever get a flu shot again
Nicole
Toronto
Hi everyone, I got my flu shot today November 2nd 2015, it has never hurt this much ! I can barely use my arm:( I couldn’t drive my car with both hands! Made dinner with one hand too, I tought I’m I overeacting or has this happened to someone else? Hope I feel better in the morning… Hope everyone feels better soon too!
Steve
Yes, same thing happened to me in Sept 2015. At Walgreens. Got high-dose version. The pain was awful about 3- 4 hours after i got it. Worst i ever had. It did go away after about 3 days, but for awhile anyway, i felt like a truck ran over me and my arm.
Jan
southern nh
I am a nurse and required to have a flu vaccine, so had the quadrivalent done over week ago. The arm was warm and the muscle very sore for 5 days, many of my co coworkers have had side effects. Worst of all, the arthritis in my other arm, wrist and fingers has been debilitating. I’ve never been an advocate of the vaccine unless you’re immunocompromised, but I think they really made a mistake with this years formula for everyone. It would be nice if the CDC tracked side effects of each vaccine.
jes
Ontario
Hi jan – sorry to hear of your experience – you can directly report your adverse event to the CDC – http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/vaers/index.html
Jasmine
Hi everyone. I never a flu shot in my entire life until Oct, 23 15, got flu shot. On Oct, 27 I started had numbness on upper lip and corner lip. The numbness started to spread out to right side of my face, temple and on top of my head and tingling on my tongue. In 4 days past by and I thought it went go away.
Oct, 30 I noticed that I had very bad tingling on my tongue and I asked my son to looked at my tongue to see if it straight or. All he could say was you need to go to an ER. An ER Dr did CBC+Difference and EKG 12 Lead tests and EKG. All tests results came back normal.
I now have no feeling on right side of my face. Last night I thought I was going to have a stroke bcuz my right side of my body wasn’t able to move bcuz of very very numbness. I still for my next apt to follow up from ER Dr. Does very one has any advise what should I do but waiting for me next apt.
Holly
NC
I have several health issues including asthma, seasonal allergies, fibromyagia, Gullian Barre, arthritis to name a few! I was at my PCM & after my exam she suggested I get a flu shot while I was in the office! That was on Oct 6th, since then I’ve been running a fever, I feel like my skin is on fire all the time! First my left knee felt like it was on fire and I could barely put weight on it, now as of yesterday my right knee has joined the game! I haven’t been able to sleep for almost a month now, causing complications with my other ailments! I’m sweating constantly and I’m heading back to my dr to see what she says can be done! My arthritis is totally flared up as well as my fibromyagia. This has been a nightmare & no amount of scare tactics will get me to take this shot again! Right on the fact sheet they handed me after they gave me the shot, it clearly states not to give to patients with Guillian Barre! If I had read that before I would have declined & brought it to her attention!
Nicole
MA
Got a flu shot on leaving the hospital a few days after our baby was born (over two weeks ago). I can barely lift my left arm in certain directions. It is very hard to position my baby to nurse – what a mistake it was getting this shot. I can’t lift my shirt overhead or move a darn pillow let alone snap up my nursing bra. This has been the icing on the cake coming home with my newborn and adjusting while unable to use my left arm.
K
Missouri
I got my flu shot yesterday and starting this morning am having severe pain at injection site if I lift my arm or try to lift or carry anything on that side. I get a flu shot every year but this is much more severe. Last winter I got a pneumonia vaccine for the first time and experienced severe soreness like this from it…that lasted weeks, then tapered to dull for months and I can still find the exact site if I poke it. Fortunately that was my left arm, (am right-handed), unfortunately I got this flu shot on my right arm so I wouldn’t exacerbate the injection site on the left!
What have they added to vaccine substrates in the last year or so that is causing this???
Fede
Argentina
When I was fifteen weeks pregnant I got a flu shot at my public health center, the nurse said I might have slight symptoms resembeling a flu, and that it would pass in 2-3 days…
I was doing laundry when suddenly my arms seemed out of control, like they were not mine, and my eyes got sore and had black spots in my vision and an intese migrane and any light would cause my head to ache. I called an ambulance and they concluded i was in perfect shape, the fetal heart was ok as well…4 hours later I would fall down as if I was drunk, I vomited constantly and my headache got worse. The whole left side of my body went numb, but all they game me at the hospital was a shot of diclofenac as any other med would have harmed my baby.The symptoms went away in 2 hours, but lasted 2 days without being able to see lights.
This was the flu shot. The only other time this happened was when i was 13 and got another vaccine for school.same reaction.
Holly
Makes you wonder what they are giving us doesn’t it? There is all this talk about getting the flu shot in the media every year! I think it’s a lot of hype! Maybe we should get an investigation going! I know I will not be get it again! A month of suffering already!
Harry
Virginia
Some tenderness in the upper arm where the shot was given and significant weakness and some pain in extension of the arm, which has persisted for three weeks, so far. Like others who have reported, I never had any problem before with flu shots.
Rene
United States
Really stunned to read this. I had my flu shot at a Walgreens on October 1, and here it is almost a month later and I am still in a lot of pain – much like Margaret (posted previously last year) – the pain actually goes down into my lower arm and fingers! The only thing that helps is ice packs, and that is a short term relief (a few hours). The pain started within hours of getting the shot – so I just thought it was a bad shot giver – but now it appears it is actually a reaction. This frightens me as I am afraid the damage is permanent – and I might be hesitant to ever get another flu shot….. and I have taken them for years previously without a single problem.
As others have said, it truly is affecting my daily life!!
Peggy
R/T the medicare person who was charged $60 for a flu vac. by CVS. Something is wrong! There should be no fee for the vac. Medicare covers it.
Lorraine
Dartmouth
I had my flu shot a couple of weeks ago and my arm has become progressively more painful. It is difficult to sleep on that side and my armpit is very sensitive. I was worried about swollen lymph nodes on that side until I read these posts. I have never had an adverse reaction to a flu shot in past years so I am very concerned at this escalating pain. I intend to contact my physician (who administered the shot) on Monday to see what he recommends.
Joe
Southern NJ
Boy, oh boy! I am glad to read these comments. Got my shot Sept. 30th in left arm at doctor office. Seemed odd that shot was given to slightly rear of deltoid. Two days later, I had a burning sensation and tingling down to my wrist. Not continually but frequently. Also a knot in the upper shoulder.
After two weeks, I went back to doctor and was told it was probably a pinched nerve unrelated to flu shot. I agreed with nerve diagnosis but I did not agree with it not being due to shot. This site convinces me of that. Although the symptoms have subsided somewhat, it still continues almost four weeks later.
I reported my case to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System VAERS website. You should also.
LORI
ORLANDO FL
had a flu shot 6 weeks ago and my arm still sore. Fells as though someone punched me really hard in my arm and the feeling feels worst now than 6 weeks ago. What kind of crap was in this shot ?
Lee
2 years ago I experienced complications such as others have described. I filed a report with VAERS.org and found many resources there.
I think my problem was related to the disparity in position–I was seated and the nurse stood over me for the injection. Since then, I have insisted the injection be delivered by a standing or seated nurse matched to my position.
Holly
Read my post Lee! I’ve had night sweats, fever, I’ve lost 17 pounds so far this month! My whole body is on “fire” can’t walk because my knees are in horrible pain! I think something bad was in that vaccine!
Bruce
Nj
This is just to weird!it sounds as if everyone is telling my experience with flu shot word for word. Have been receiving flu vaccination from 1997 with little or no side effects, until Oct 2013.I figured why make appt at doctors office and pay copay with I can get it at Walgreen’s for less $ and walk right in then out.this time shot was different noticed alot of pain at injection point which subsided after about one month then continued on and off for one year.then stupid me went back to Walgreen’s again in Oct 2014 received shot same location and now this time pain would not subside extreme pain everyday at injection point that travels through out entire shoulder into neck and in arm.what in gods creation was in vaccine cocktail. I will never get vaccine again.
Tammy
North Carolina
Relieved to be reading these posts. I’m calling my ortho Doctor tomorrow! I broke my radial head in May and had surgery later that month. I had the flu shot on Oct 4, 2015, (I am a nurse in a hospital setting also, where it’s required, or you wear masks all flu season). I’ve noticed that I’ve been having terrible pain in my arm, specifically my elbow and wrist where my injuries were. Prior to my flu shot, I had already finished therapy and was doing great. Since the pain started, I haven’t been able to relate it to anything! I keep trying to think back of how I may have possibly re-injured it. Now, I think I may have found my answer. It actually did start right about the time after my flu shot injection. I didn’t have much pain with the shot, or lasting pain at the site afterwards. Since I’m right handed, I’ve just always gotten injections in my right arm, to use it and “work out” the pain. Never crossed my mind that it was my previously injured arm and I maybe should avoid injecting that one! I definitely think this is worth contacting the doctor about. Having use of my arm has decreased about 50%, since the injection, and I was just released to full duty in September!
Ginny
Milton keynes
Glad I found this site.
After Sept 2015 flu jab my arm is still painful and my elbow won’t straighten ….also tingling in fingers if I lean on my elbow.
Never had a problem till this year.
Probably report it to doc.
Ginny
Milton keynes
Glad I found this site.
After Sept 2015 flu jab my arm is still painfulooking and my elbow won’t straighten ….also tingling in fingers if I lean on my elbow.
Never had a problem till this year.
Probably report it to doc.
Lorelei Ruby
Chicago, NW Suburban Area
Greetings and positive energies to everyone!
Thank you all so much for taking the time to post your personal experiences for others to read and evaluate. I hope my own experiences may give someone help, and hope in the future as well.
I finally decided to go get my first flu shot (and also a Dr. recommended first pneumonia shot) this year, 15 Oct, 2015. I am 47 years old. I am on Medicaid, so they were available free to me. Might I take a guess that the 2015 shot referenced above was administered in 2014 to cover 2015? My shot is the one covering the year 2016, so it is possible the ingredients may or may not differ. I also understand that everyone does react differently to these or any other vaccinations/injections.
I want everyone to know that my heart goes out to all of those who have suffered through these side effects with so much severity. I sincerely hope everyone has gotten through it, and are now feeling better and healthier!
After my shots, I (of course!) read my Walgreen’s flu shot prescription guide. The most common side effects listed were soreness, swelling, redness, possible bruising, and the feeling of heat over the skin surface of the muscle. (I received single shots for both medications to the upper left arm muscle, not a quad or dermal shot.) I do have these symptoms, however no bruising as of yet. I am fair skinned and often bruise quite easily, so I will not be surprised if that happens.
The first two mornings I woke to uncomfortable body pains. A Naproxen (prescription Aleeve, 500 milligrams) along with a Hydrocodone (prescription Norco/Vicodin, 10 milligrams) knocked that feeling out quickly, and by day 3 that particular symptom was no longer affecting me.
I also take Gabapentin, (known also as Neurontin) on a regular basis for other health issues, so this may possibly contribute to helping with my symptoms/side effects.
However, I do still have some swelling, soreness and redness. I was unable to lift my arm much within the first day or so. It is now 19 Oct and although still a bit swollen, red, and painful to the touch, I can lift my arm just fine again.
The pain has slowly been subsiding, however, I must still be cautious to not bump it, etc. (I leaned against a door frame yesterday, OUCH!) I still need to sleep on my back, as I cannot sleep in my usual left side down fetal position. I am still taking the Naproxen/Hydrocodone combination occasionally. Luckily I have had no other symptoms aside from what the pamphlet, my PCP and Pharmacy Tech said to possibly expect. I know this is the medication still needing to work all the way through the muscle.
Apparently I have been lucky compared to others who had (or are still suffering from) these side effects – or worse. I replied here to tell others that it is possible to have only the basic symptoms, and that mine have been subsiding daily.
I would love to know if anything can help ease any of the pain or swelling. Would applying an ice pack do the trick? I have not tried yet, as now the swelling is down.
There is hope out there, I am prone to upper respiratory infections, and have had pneumonia 7 times since I was 5 years old, so I pray these injections will be of some help. All I can do is wait and see what happens.
I wish the best of luck to everyone!
Peace, Love, Light, Health, Hope and Happiness!
“Lorelei”
Lorelei Ruby
Chicago IL
Hello, all and I wish you all healing and health!
After my previous comments, I am replying back (to my own post) just to say the Flu and Pneumonia shot side effects disappeared completely by day 6. I did get them at my local Walgreens, and now I just hope they help/work. Again, I got them to cover the year 2016, so I cannot say the formulation is the same as last year’s to cover 2015. All it says is both are “dead viruses”. (Kinda scary.)
My heart goes out to all of you having the difficulties I have been reading about, and blessings of health and strength go out to you all. This was the first time I ever got a flu shot and pneumonia shot, and at the same time. The symptoms of sore skin to the touch, and pain subsided as I could feel it work downward thru my arm muscle, then I was able to lift my arm. 6 days and I was better. Let’s hope if anyone decides to get one for 2016 that the symptoms are nowhere near as bad. Again I am 47 years old for reference. Please everyone, always contact your physician if the main side effects are persistent, and especially if there is tingling, or worse . too say the same as others; GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE! When I was suffering (the 2nd day was the worst) all of your comments made me not feel so alone, and helped me learn what to watch out for as far as dangerous side effects. Hope to see some posts on this year’s shot for 2016, and see if there is any difference for anyone.
Much love to all, Lorelei (Happy Halloween!)
Kelly T.
North Carolina
I’m not happy that others have had bad experiences with this year’s flu shot, but at least I no longer feel crazy. I googled “bad reactions to 2015 flu shot” just to see what would come up. I am really amazed at how many people are having similar symptoms involving the arm. I’ve been getting the flu shot for 20 years and never experienced anything like this!
Some years my arm was a bit achy, some years I feel a bit sick, some years don’t even know I got it. Well, I know this year and I’ve been really concerned! I got the shot over a month ago. Two days afterward I felt awful but was really concerned about the arm symptoms–pain as well as tingling that started around the injection site but by day 2 had progressed to my hand. Also had pain in that shoulder and the elbow. It got intense enough that I almost sought medical treatment, thinking perhaps I was having a rare reaction.
I’m better but a month later am still experiencing arm pain. Am wondering when it will go away! Also, if it’s an indication of the severity of this year’s flu–and let’s hope they got the vaccine right this year–then I surely don’t want it!!! This experience has definitely made me question flu shots though!
Les
Branford, CT
I got an intradermal flu shot recently by my PCP. I have always gotten an intramuscular shot but she was using this new method.
I am 62 and have never complained about any injection before. The shot itself was not painful BUT the after effects have been terrible.
My arm continues to hurt all the time. There is a general weakness and heaviness in that arm and sharp stabbing pain in my radius and ulna. I also had an immediate flare of arthritis in my joints within the first 24/36 hours. I will think LONG AND HARD before getting a flu shot next year.
Irene
Spalding Lincs UK
I had the Flu injection in September 2013. The first thing I noticed was that the nurse Jabbed the needle strait in, it hurt much more than is normal for an injection, rather than the gentle way of pushing it up inside the skin. From almost strait away I started to feel that my left arm aches a lot and is sometimes painful at the site of the injection, Also from shoulder to elbow it is unusually cold all the time, Whatever the weather or any time of year, even when it is boiling hot. I spoke to the nurse that gave me a Flu injection in October 2014, about this, she told me with clear conviction that this shouldn’t/ wouldn’t happen. No one believes me when I tell them what has happened, including my Daughter who is a nurse and has in the past been on duty giving Flu injections. I will not be having another Flu Vaccine this year.
Linda
Houston
I got the flu shot three weeks ago in my upper right arm close to my body and am still experiencing severe pain in my upper arm which remained bruised for two weeks after the shot. The first night I had trouble sleeping since the pain kept waking me up. It’s hard to use my right arm to dress myself. Exercising has just made the pain worse. I’ve had flu shots for many years now, but have never experienced pain like this.
linda
Thank you so much for your comments. I had a flu shot on Sept. 18, 2015 on my job. Someone came to our school from Brookshire’s Pharmacy to administer the shots. Everyone that received the shots complained of soreness in their arms at the injection site. Two weeks after I got the shot I have been suffering with soreness in my upper left shoulder and my left arm. I also have tingling in my arm and fingers. I have tried pain relievers but nothing helps on a long term basis. I have been a wits end because people have told me that it might be a stroke or heart attack. I can’t take this pain in my arm. I regret getting the flu shot this year. I’m tired of taking different pain killers. If there is a good, kind doctor out there that can tell me how to get rid of this pain , please help. Thanks
kelly
I had the flu shot at my job too and have been experiencing pain ever since from my elbows to my hands. This is awful. It pains me to lift anything. I spray icy hot often and it gives me a little relief but this isnt curing it.
Please pray this goes away
Ozie
When I got my flu shot the first two days it was sore like I overdid it working out. Then I started having sharp pains in my upper arm. It gets real bad. I have found I use a ice pack and it helps ease the pain. Hopefully it won’t last much longer.
Eric
Kennesaw, GA
I received a flu shot from some nurses my employer brought in about four days ago. The next day I was nauseous and then started to develop extreme soreness in most of my muscles. The soreness lasted about a day. However, I was nauseous again today. I’ve had to sleep a lot since getting the shot.
Nancy
Ohio
I got the flu shot, pneumonia shot and shingles shot all at one time on Sept 11, 2015. I got really sick that night with fever, chills and body aches. It was gone by morning but my arm was extremely sore and that lasted three days. This week I am suffering this severe pain in my legs and buttocks. I have cried myself to sleep for four nights now. Nothing I take, asprin, aleeve, pain pill, will help the pain. It goes away by itself and then comes back. I can’t explain it. Today it hit me in the morning.
D
Wiscomsin
I got the flu shot in 2012 , to this day I still have nerve damage in my left arm from my shoulder to fingertips, was diagnosed with parsonage Turner syndrome.
Debbie
Redding, CA
I got my 2015/2016 season flu shot 3 weeks ago and my arm hurts me so bad I cannot lift my arm or sleep on my left side. I can’t pull my shirt over my head or reach behind my back. It is very painful. I have gotten a flu shot for 3 prior years with no prolonged effects.
Debbie
Dundee Illinois
I got mine on September 30th and have the same thing. I tried to play tennis today and the backhand was excruciating. The doctor said this is the first she has heard of this. Received mine from a nurse at my gynaecologist. Not happy.
Cathy
PA
I got my annual flu shot in early Oct. and my left arm is still very sore. I can barely lift it without great pain and now that I have read other articles about similar results I am beginning to wonder if something is very wrong with the shot. Please keep me informed.
Mike
I had to be NUTs to get a Flu shot. I have only 4 flu shots in my life and this one is killing me with pain two weeks later. Had I Googled about the Muscle Pain in the arm everyone is having I would have passed on this years shot. Why is there not a warning about the possibility of this happening. The pain in really bad and I can handle a lot of pain as I pass Kidney stones often and this pain in my arm are of the Flu shot is just as bad. Why no outcry about this. I would not subject my worst enemy to this pain. It takes about an hour in the morning to get moving and no over the counter pain killer will touch it. This is the third week of muscle pain and no relief insight. Where do you go? Been to the Clinic and Toradol was a super help in relief for one day only. But one day with out pain was a miracle. No one at the Clinic has an answer on how to help. You know they know about this reaction but they simply try to tell you it is from something else and I am the only complaint. I come to this sight and many are having my same problems. My arm muscles were fine until the next day after the shot and voila! I have not been the same since and after two weeks of no sleep I am not a happy camper. I foresee major problems to my body from this and since I am on Medicare there will not be much help. I hate to relate to this Flu shot on social Media but I am not in favor of anyone taking a chance to have this happen to them. There seems to be no end to the pain and discomfort. Getting the Flu can not be any worse than this.
Abbie
Pasadena,CA
I got the flu shot about 3 days ago. I’ve never ever gotten the flu shot, at least I’ve never made the conscious decision to get one. I’m 31 weeks pregnant and my doctor had told me I’m due for it and I needed it. So, I didn’t really question it thinking I had no choice because it was part of my prenatal care? I dunno.
Anyway, since that day my entire body aches. I can hardly move in bed or get up to use the restroom without my husband’s help. It caused preterm labor contractions that I had to go into the hospital to control. It started with abdominal pain, arm pain and lower back pain. I thought I had just strained my muscles because it felt as if I had been working out non-stop. I took some Tylenol and it helped, but the pain just kept coming back. Now the pain is literally everywhere. It’s worse when I’m idle, so I have to constantly fight it and just walk/stand around a bit for it to subside. I don’t know if it’s getting better because when I’m laying down and try to get up, I can’t move without some kind of help.
I feel it in my shoulders, armpits, arms, wrist, butt, lower back, abdominal area, behind my knees, calves, literally my whole body. Even my throat muscles. I didn’t piece it together until today that the flu shot could’ve cause all of this. I will never ever ever in my life get a flu shot again. Ever.
Valerie
Delaware
My job hired a medical group to come to our office to administer flu shots as a convenience for all employees in October, 2014. A few hours after receiving my shot, I developed a black spot on my arm at the injection spot. Just above my inner elbow, a lump nearly the size of a golf ball formed. The lump remained for almost a month and my arm, to this day, feels very achy. Occasionally, I feel the pain down the entire left side of my body. The pain has been intermittent up until this week (nearly a year later.) Suddenly, the pain in my arm has become so unbearable that I can hardly move it. The symptoms feel very similar to the ones described for heart attack victims.
Michelle
Alexandria
I thought my reaction was because of pregnancy. I got my flu shot a couple of weeks ago and my arm hurts so bad. I can barely raise it above me, and no amount of massaging will help it.
This is so sad! I am never having the flu shot again! :(
I’d rather have the flu!
Tony and Aileen
north coast Australia
My wife and I don’t have the flu shots and rarely get the flu BUT we both got the flu this year. What we found is after the initial 7 to 10 days we got over most of the symptoms but we have been left with severe joint and muscle pain especially lower back legs. This is now 3 months after we had the flu, and it’s not getting any better.
We both have fibromyalgia as a result of getting both Glandular Fever and Barman Forest fever together a couple of years back and what were experiencing now is similar to a flare up of the Fibro. But those symptoms usually subside to their normal levels within a few days. I also have spinal injuries, and I am on Oxycontin. Normally that keeps my pain at a manageable level allows me to do some of the things I enjoy in life. BUT since having that flu I have been reduced to shuffling with a walking stick. The slightest effort, both physical or mental, makes me sweat profusely, even when I am feeling cold. I have to carry a small towel everywhere so that I don’t drip sweat. My wife has the same symptoms except the need of a walking stick.
Our doctor is very sympathetic. But apart from increasing my Oxycontin and my wife’s Tramyl (which neither of us want to do), he can’t come up with anything. He sent us to a rheumatologist which cost us dearly because of travel and his charges/ He confirmed that we had Fibromyalgia and were simply experiencing a ”flare up” and just had to wait it out. After 3 months, if anything it’s getting worse.
Much as I am reluctant to admit it, I think that maybe you people who had the vaccination ended up with a far reduced form of what we have. The fact that many of you are saying it is in your arms makes me wonder if it is localised in the arm you had vaccinated. Whereas we, who had no vaccination, feel it worse in our legs.
If anyone out there has had similar symptoms and found something that helps relieve them, PLEASE, PLEASE contact us. We’re willing to try just about anything. The only people we know who have similar after flu effects are in the same boat. They have found nothing to relieve the pain. We’re pensioners so can’t afford expensive clinics, massages etc. We do keep up with our light excerise although it nearly kills us.
Anyway, we just wanted to say that perhaps on this occasion you may have been better off having the flu shot rather than going without like us. Good luck to everyone out there, and let’s hope someone can come up with something that offers some relief to everyone experiencing these problems.
Dodie h
South Florida
I received the flu shot at Cvs like two and a half weeks ago. At first I didn’t notice any pain but today my arm hurts like I got it yesterday and my whole body aches. It seems so odd to have a reaction this long after the injection.
Sandy
Michigan
I got the flu shot from the pharmacy in September 2014 and had arm pain from front shoulder to arm bend the next day. I went to therapy which only made it worse. I got an injection that helped, but still experience pain especially when reaching back or taking a blouse off overhead. The motion of pushing a char in hurts. It is now September 2015 and pain, although not as severe, is sill there. The shot was given too high on arm. I’m afraid to get another flu shot.
Heather
Clearwater, FL
On August 10, 2015 I got a flu shot at CVS for a new job. Initially I wanted to get it from my physician or the Ocupational Health location where I got my TB shot but neither carried it, this early in the Flu season. The pharmacist wipes the top of my shoulder with alcohol, then a little higher. When he injected I saw him go in on the highest point of my deltoid. I felt pain with the injection. Afterwards, I asked why he injected so high. He said it needs to go into the Deltoid. I’m thinking it needs to go into the meatiest part. I’ve had many flu shots from working in the healthcare industry. I felt pain driving home and by early evening I was taking a pain reliever. The pain was so sever I could not sleep in my left side (the left arm of injection). On Wednesday August 12th after I got my TB reading I stopped back to CVS and told the pharmacist that he injured me and he needs to understand and document because if it didn’t feel better I was going to see my physician. After another week I had to do just that. She referred me to an Orthopedic to look into it further. After reading all the other posts and my experience, this is a very real problem. There should be better protocols to anyone administering shots in the arm to stay away from the top of the shoulder especially the attachment point of the deltoid. This is incrediblely painful to the point of nausea. Not to mention poor range of motion and inability to lift with that arm. It is a serious injury. Education, awareness, and compensation to those who are injured is all necessary. What more can we do to get this info out there???
Karen
NY
It has been almost on year since I had a flu shot at my local CVS. I am unable to raise my left arm andante movement causes severe pain. I wake up at night when I move in bed and am not guarding my arm, and the pain is excruciating. I first thought it was tendinitis, but then realized this had been going on since right after I got the flu shot last year.
Glenna
Riverside, CA
I had a flu shot in my right arm two years ago and in my left arm this past year and experienced the same prolonged aches and pain at and in a wide parimeter around the injection site, and it also causes achiness down past the outside of my elbow and into my lower arm. The first year it took me several months to realize it was probably due to the flu shot. I tried many things to ease the pain and nothing worked until a massage therapist intern at my husband’s business said she could feel a knot in the muscle. She did deep tissue massage a couple of times, about a week apart and VOILA, the discomfort disappeared and I have not had another problem with my right arm. I will be getting deep tissue massage on my left arm also, hoping for the same healing result. Be aware if you decide to try deep tissue massage that it is a little uncomfortable and will leave the spot feeling a little bruised for a day or two. This is such an annoying problem as it inhibits me from performing a lot of my strength training regimen.
Gordon's Scot
Chicago "burbs"
It took my wife and I a while to determine what it was that made me feel so terrible but after many doctors visits, no help there, and searching the web, we finally determined what the cause was….my flu shot in Oct. of 2014. Shortly thereafter my legs were going numb. It would start in my right foot, migrate up my leg, around my trunk and down the other leg. It wouldn’t even last a minute but felt like hours and only happened after sitting and then getting up but didn’t happen all the time. X-Rays and a MRI showed nothing and I had a nerve test done on my legs and that was normal. Those symptoms lasted from Nov. of 2014 till May of 2015 then one day gone and I’m so grateful! According to what we’ve read on the Internet and CDC website, I “might” have had a bout of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) , pretty scary!
I’m still dealing with an annoying ache in my right shoulder (injection site), elbow and bicep areas that comes and goes depending how hard I use my arm. I have to sleep with my arm raised above my head which alleviates the pain. I hope this pain subsides with time but as of now, it hasn’t.
Will I ever get another flu shot?
NO!!!
While I understand that vaccines effect everybody different, the shot that was administered in 2014 had some very severe side effects and from the sound of things, I’m not alone. I’ll deal with the flu any day vs. going through what I have…..
Alice
Ft Worth
I took the flu shot October 2014 at my job. I work at a hospital. 5 hrs later I was in severe pain all over with fever and chills lasting a week. Now I have severe chronic left ankle pain. The dr believes it is a type of reactive arthritis. I finally quit my job as I was unable to continue working 12 hr shifts. We’re hoping it will resolve on its own within a yr. I’ve had steroids,xrays,MRI, and Us.All it shows is swelling in the joint below the ankle..
Mel
FL
I had a flu shot in Sept. 2014, it was Novartis – Fluvirin Lot #1413001 (exp date 6/15). It has changed my life in a bad way…nerve damage. The symptoms started a few months later and were progressively worse. Spasms, burning, pain, cramping, and sparking finger tips. It was located on my right jaw, both arm and upper back. The spasms spread to chest pain and difficulty breathing. I’ve had many tests and the neurologist is convinced it is from this shot. My family will never be mislead about the necessity of a flu vaccine. Gabapentin 100mg 3 X a day seems to have taken the pain down a notch, however it is still present every day. I too reported it to the VARES website as I now have neuropathy. So tell me how is it that the journalism has gone silent? Conspiracy theory???
Carol
plano, tx
I have had the same experience, shot was administered very high up on my arm. Almost immediate pain down my arm and up my neck. had the flu shot in October, 2014 and am still suffering neck pain all the time. It is june of 2015. Fortunately the arm pain has pretty much subsided. For some time after getting the shot, I could hardly move my arm. Never had a reaction to the flu shot before. Seems like there are quite a few people experiencing this reaction. Shouldn’t this be reported to the CDC or the drug manufacturer?
elvis
gauteng
Believe it or not I just got the flu vaccine together with my wife and it’s been hell ever since then. The pain in my left arm is excruciatingly painful and I hope this goes away before schools reopen for third term. I can’t even mark. As for my wife, she is devastated. Its so difficult to cope with our little baby and four year old son.
Annette
CA
I had my flu shot in my doctor’s office in the fall of 2014. I have always received them annually because I worked very closely with the public. Mild soreness would always last for 2-3 days. This time I am still experiencing pain, limited mobility and cannot sleep on my left side because of it. The pain also shoots up my left back and into my neck at times. My doctor says that the damage is most likely permanent. I have researched the problem and one of the causes suggested is the way in which the shot was administered. I certainly hope that this is not permanent, but I am not optimistic about it. And, to think I paid to have this, albeit minor, disability!
r
austin tx
Had as well flu shot on October 16 2014 at the site of the vaccine my arm pain as never gone away in fact it has gotten worse just like everyone elses. I can’t lift my arm up or even stretch behind me without having very horrible pain that has me in tears.
I also had all the same medical doctors tell me the same thing nothing they can do but my question is please someone tell me how long will I have to suffer like this? I sometimes just want to die. I’m tired of sleepless nights.
lisa
United States
I have suffered with the pain in my arm shoulder since Oct. 28 2014 that is when I got a flu shot at first the Dr. said that he doubt the flu shot cause the problem gave me 800mg after 2 weeks still in pain he sent me to othropedic Dr. he told the flu could have trigged to the pain and I have frozen shoulder he has prescribed 800mg every 8hours and wants me to start pt. next week if that does not work he said the next step will be surgery. Today I actually had a free evaluation from a chiropractic Dr who tested my nerves and has told me I have severe nerve damage which there are very few chiropractics who specialize in fixing it now I just need to find one in my area since I was out of town when I had the latest test done
Rosemary W.
United States
I received a flu shot at my local CVS in October 2014. I am still suffering from extreme pain in my left arm, shoulder, and a tingling in my left hand and it is now April 2015. I haven’t gone to the doctor and doubt I will since it looks like nothing much can be done after reading the other comments. I have always had excellent health and I now have trouble sleeping and am in pain most of the time. I sure hope this goes away. I’m seriously considering not having the shot anymore. I am 62 years old. I read your article in today’s Chicago Tribune about people having this problem with the shot.
Stella andazola
New Mexico
Hi I received the flu vaccine also oct 2014 since then I have had horrible pain in my right arm. Laying on my side or simply using my arm I find that it makes me miserable. I spoke with my hr and all they tell me is that they probably hit a nerve idk what to think. Are you still having trouble with your arm pain?
Jayme H.
United States
I got my flu shot the first of October 2014. It’s now April 2015 and I have continuing pain + tingling down (with the accompanying weakness) into my hand that responds to nothing! Have had it injected, done PT, drugs, message, and topical pain treatment. The pain started immediately after the shot — which is the LAST flu shot I will ever have. I believe this is the “dirty little secret” that’s being kept under wraps and is much more frequent than is admitted by the health care industry.
Chris
Houston, Tx
I, too, had a flu shot, but in my doctor’s office. I have since suffered months of pain in areas of my upper arm which, at times, radiates into my neck. It always hurts now to lift my arm above my head. The pain varies from just noticeable to so severe it wakes me at night. I looked up this site because last night was one of those bad nights. Advil and ice seem to help when it is at its worse. I went through a month of physical therapy (They said tendinitis) which didn’t seem to help much. I wonder if it will ever go away.
Don
maryland
I also have pain in my left upper shoulder area from being given the flu shot back in October 2014.. I wake up at night because of the pain, raising my arm above my head is painful.
AJKennedy
Seattle
I think it would be very helpful if all of the folks who have posted on here called up their doctors/pharmacies and insisted on being told specifically what flu shot they received and who made it. Then those of us who are affected, annoyed and interested could perhaps draw some more conclusions. My doctor has advised me that the flu shot I received was made by Sanofi Pasteur — 476 Fluzone® Intradermal Quadrivalent.
Joann H.
Pa.
Hello ! I received a Vitamin B 12 injection April 16,2015. I am having the same problems that you all have had with the flu vaccine so I do not believe it is the medicine, but the way it is administered. I was told that it had to go up high on my arm which is where the nurse gave it. I started with right arm pain then neck and left shoulder arm and hand pain, numbness. I am in a pain management for a number of back surgeries so that Dr. told me to come in and he’ll try some cortisone shots to hopefully help with the pain. I cannot believe this is happening as I am sure you all feel the way. This is the first time that I ever commented on a site (any site) but I needed to thank you for your post. I now know that what I am feeling is REAL & not in my head. Wish You all well.
AJKennedy
Seattle
I was relieved to find this information on the web — I have had problems with my left upper arm for the past few months. At first, I thought I had just strained something during my regular exercise regimen, but the pain just wouldn’t go away and would appear in different spots, so I began to realize it wasn’t acting like any particular muscle strain. It has been severe enough to wake me up some nights, I can’t comfortably raise my arm above shoulder level, and it sometimes radiates into my neck. My doctor prescribed a course of medical massage which I am about halfway through. There seems to be a little improvement, but two therapists have said I will need physical therapy as well. After I saw the past from peoples pharmacy.com, I looked up my vaccine record and yes, I had a flu vaccine at the very end of 2014…
jon
oregon
I had a flu shot in late October 2014. Arm, shoulder started to hurt from day 1. This is April 2015 & it still hurts. I think it hurts worse now than it did then. I also came down with a severe case of Shingles 3 weeks after shot. I will never,ever, get another flu shot!!
Judy
Ohio
I received a flu shot in my left arm in November 2014. My arm still hurts, especially when I raise my arm, reach behind my back, like fastening my bra, or sleeping on that arm. It wakes me up every night. I try to sleep on the other arm, but seem, by habit I guess, to end up on that side. I am 64 years old and in good health. It is disappointing for sure, I have gotten flu shots the past 8 years and never had this reaction before. My Dr. says I have nerve damage and they ran CBC to make sure there is no infection going on. That came back fine and they recommend an MRI but not sure even if that shows nerve damage what they would do. It is worse some days, depending on what movements I make I guess. I probably will never get a flu shot again. I think mine was put in too high and it hurt from the time I was stuck. But it is good to hear I am not the only one I guess.
Jane
San Antonio texas
I got a pneumonia shot last week from a pharmacist and my arm is still very painful around the injection site and also nerve pain to my neck radiating from this site. I believe it was the pharmacist who did not know how to properly give a shot in the arm. I hope it goes away soon, what incompetence!
Lisa
Upper Midwest
Since having my flu shot in October 2014, I have had reactions that I have never experienced before. The shot itself did not hurt, nor did I have the usual 2-3 day arm soreness that usually accompanied the shot. By week 3, I had such bad upper arm pain, that I was pacing the floor. I had shooting pains down the length of my arm into my baby finger. My husband said that this is classic nerve pain. Along with the continuation of arm pain, I developed a hard lump in my left palm (same side as the flu shot), my left knee became very painful and enlarged and I developed a sore throat with mouth sores that took 3 months to go away. Additionally, my previously controlled RA developed into the biggest flare up I have ever had. When I asked 2 of my MD’s about the correlation between all these new painful symptoms and the flu shot I had in October, they shook their heads and said they never heard of this. I began searching the Web a month after the shot and was so glad to finally find your site last week. My husband didn’t believe me until I showed him this website. He advised me to contact the CDC and he is going to call our state’s Board of Health. I am sad that all of you have suffered so long from something that is supposed to keep us healthy. I don’t know what can be done to help us. At least I know that I am not alone and these symptoms are related to the inoculation. I will continue to find out what we can do and who to contact contact, to perhaps help alleviate the symptoms and perhaps find a cure. I will not have another flu shot. Too many chemicals too! God bless all of you!
sarah
east sussex
I had the flu jab 5 months ago and since then I’ve been suffering with shoulder pain it can be quite severe if I raise my arm or move it back . The pain keeps waking me up if My GP said it’s not related to the flu jab .I think otherwise as I had no pain in my shoulder until just after the jab. I had a steroid injection but still no better. I am now waiting for physio therapy. My GP said its just a snagging in my shoulder and could take ages to get better. I’m now very reluctant to have a flu jab again
Lisa S.
United States
I received my flu shot in Oct 2014 It has hurt ever since and is getting worse I am limited to how I can move my arm the pain is constant I also have tingling and numbness down my arm into my hand. I can not lay on my left side which has been a big issue with my sleeping habits. I am actually going to drs Thrust to see what they can if anything I will never get another flu shot.
Dorothy
Hurley NM
I had the flu shot 10 days ago at Walgreen. My arm is still hurting and problems with movement. I’ve never had this problem before. I will see my Dr. This week. I’ve been taking aspirin for pain. I’m never getting another flu shot.
Shirley
Riverdale,Illinois
I got my Flu shot in Oct. In my left arm. I can’t sleep on that side because of the pain. I can’t reach behind my back. I had a XRay and MRI and was told my shoulder was inflamed. The doctor gave me a cortisone shot and put me in Therapy to get range of motion. I have better range of motion but it is still painful reaching behind my back. The pain is worse at night and when I wake up. It feels like I have pain in the bone. I only found out about all the people having this same problem after searching the internet. Some have been in pain for 6 months to two years.
Joyce
Massachusetts
I got my flu shot in October 2013, and it still hurts. A lot. I’ve tried various topical pain medicines, Advil, etc,; exercises, massages, you name it. Nothing has worked. My doctor has no answers. It’s very frustrating.
Kathy
South Florida
In Oct 2014 I had a flu shot at the pharmacy of my local Publix (grocery store). I don’t recall any unusual pain at the time of the injection, but I was not surprised to have some discomfort in my left upper arm for a few days thereafter. The discomfort stayed with me for a month, and then it disappeared; I thought it was over. Not so lucky–it came back with a vengeance and I have had pain and weakness to this day, March 7, 2015. Originally felt only in the topside of my upper arm, in the many months since, it has spread to include at times my shoulder, my inner upper arm, my elbow and recently also my wrist and hand. When I first felt it, I tried a web search, but came up blank. Apparently I was the only one to experience this after a flu shot? The next years I cautiously approached the notion of a flu shot, decided to get them (all at pharmacies–CVS, Walgreen’s, Publix), and had no worsening of effects. Last October I had it done at my doctor’s office and again no worsening. However, the pain and weakness have never subsided. From my symptoms I originally concluded that I had some degree of nerve damage, even though I could not find any information to substantiate my theory. I firmly believe that is the case after reading this forum. I am 72, I work out daily, and have only about 80% range of motion in my left arm/shoulder, whereas I have 100% in my right, despite a bout of “frozen shoulder” there. I have tried acupuncture, laser treatments, and bi-weekly massages. Nothing provides long-term relief. I am planning another series of acupuncture treatments soon. Will I have another flu shot next Fall? The jury is still out.
Brittney
NWI
Got the shot for the first time in my life around mid January, it is now March and I can barely stretch my right arm or sleep on it. Going into the EMS field so I have to get vaccinated yearly, but now I’m quite scared because if I have this side effect from it I really don’t ever want to get it again!
Lorna
Nashville, TN
I got a flu shot Jan 2014 at Walgreens. They were out of reg flu shot, but had the one that people get who are allergic to eggs. The pharmacist told me there would be no difference for me to get that one. So I did. Normally, in years past, I never had any pain getting the shot, or after except a tiny bit. This time I felt the needle go in the muscle and was very sore. I thought it would only last a few days. A few weeks later, I went back and told the pharmacist and she monitored me and reported it to the CDC. It finally subsided, but only for a little while. Now it comes in waves. Some days it is fine, but others, the pain is so bad it wakes me in the night. When it is hurting, my arm is ver weak and hurts when I use it. Thank goodness I had the shot in the left arm and I am right handed. It has been over a year now and this is still happening.
H.
Boston
This happened to me! At age 41 in 2011 I got a flu shot in my right arm. Within a few weeks at the injection site I had no range of motion without serious pain. For example, if I instinctually went to grab my little boy from falling with my right arm the pain would send me crumpling to the floor howling. No joke.
I saw an orthopedic dr and she said I had ‘frozen shoulder’, to get a steroid shot then PT. She said ‘it just happens to people sometimes’ and waved away my connection to the flu shot. However, when I went to get the steroid shot (because I was told the PT is too painful without it) the doctor administering the shot heard my story and said, yes, she has heard of that and sometimes flu shots can cause this side effect.
At least someone was honest about it. I was able to get about 80% of my range of motion back but there is still a tiny bit of discomfort if I go to stretch my arms. It isn’t horrible but I was very very good at doing the whole PT thing, with a professional and the home exercises as well. Anyway, I never got another flu shot and I won’t let my kids, either. And we never got the flu.
Also, my 68 yr old mom had the super flu shot last fall and was very sick for 2 months. She said NEVER AGAIN. When a dr tries to tell me that there is no connection I say you cannot 100% guarantee me that there are never any side effects.
Terry G
Texas
I also had the flu shot in October and I have had continued pain in my arm ever since. The anti-inflammatory drug, Mobic, seems to help, but it has not completely relieved the pain. My concern is that perhaps the CVS pharmacist hit a nerve when injecting the shot. I don’t think that I will ever get another shot from a pharmacist. I am not sure that they are as well-trained as nurses in giving shots..
eleanor
seattle
Love this newsletter. Had flu shot in October in left arm and from elbow to shoulder have had an assortment of pain – constant ache, stabbing, stinging, and upon pressure. Am 76 and thought it was old age symptoms but did not seems to be in the joints or bones. Had a similar reactions in achilles heel to an antibiotic taken for pneumonia. Had flu shot at Safeway(6 years), but will have in doctor’s office next time.
Jean
Nj
I too had a cvs flu shot this yr and am having a real problem with my arm. Went to my ortho dr and there seems to be something showing in my X-ray now I have to get an Mri. He gave a cortezone shot for the pain. What the heck is going on?
JLA
Michigan
I had only one flu vaccine, swine flu back in the late 70s, until I was diagnosed with COPD 6 years ago. My first one since the diagnosis was at a local small town pharmacy who brought in a nurse to administer the shot. Subsequent shots have been given at my physician’s office by a trained nurse. I have never had any discomfort that lasted over an hour. My thoughts are the vaccine is not the same and I would not let an untrained person give me any shot.
Myra
Alabama
In October 2013 at age 66, I got the flu shot for seniors. Previously I had never had a bad reaction from a flu shot. That one put me in bed for a couple of days with headache, vomiting, rash and swelling of lips and just feeling terrible. I will never again get a flu shot.
Joyce
United States
I had the same things happen to me two years ago this last fall. Sore arm and muscles. Stiff joints and am still bothered some at times. My shot was given to me far up almost on my shoulder. I suffered so much that I am now afraid to ever take another flu shot.
Linda
Durham
I was given a flu shot in the front of my arm in between my shoulder and my elbow!!!
Supposedly this was done because I had had rotator cuff surgery 2 weeks earlier. My question at the time was why the same arm as my surgery as well as why the strange flu shot injection site. Subsequently, within a day, I developed a huge, red, and very painful welt that lasted for weeks and there continues to be a thickening in the injection site. I really believed there had been, and continues to be, nerve damage. I would join in with those who have remaining difficulty with the arm. This was NOT done in a drug store.
ariel
I got a pneumonia shot to boost my immune system. A few hours later I had to go to the ER heart palpations and left arm pain. The ER dr said it must have been from the shot. However, the dr that gave me the pneumonia shot refused the diagnosis. She claimed that it was because I was afraid of the shot.
I have a long list of meds I cannot take.
My heart finally normalized in the ER.
Ann
United States
I got the flu shot in fall of 2011. The pain radiated up into my shoulder joint just after I got the shot. I assumed it would go away in a few days. Two months later I could barely move my arm so the doctor said it was something he sees a lot. I needed physical therapy for a few weeks to get range of motion again and the joint pain persisted for months.
2012 shot was fine. No side effects.
In October 2013, I had a weird reaction. Ear pain, neck pain, stomach pain starting the day after the shot and lasting for 6 days. Sent that information to Adverse Drug Reaction people. My shoulder joint once again hurt and four months later, still having pain in that shoulder joint.
Mary
I regularly read the Blog of Dr. David Brownstein. He does not like flu shots at all and I agree with him.
The adjuvants in vaccines are usually toxic substances like mercury, aluminum or formaldehyde.
Side effect risks with uncertain benefits do not balance out.
Patty Bonney
Portland, OR
At 84 I’ve never had a flu shot, and I’ve never had flu. I lead an active life, taught Sunday School to preschoolers for 48 years, still square dance 1-3 times a week, and work at staying healthy. I had a pneumonia shot when they first came out. I’ve always been leery of flu shots. I really treasure your twice weekly emails.
Lyn Cooney
Orlando
I also got my shot from CVS. It was Dec. 2013 and the discomfort soon started in my arm and then went, in degrees, across my chest. I eventually went to a doctor to no avail. What can they do? It settled in my elbow now and causes pain and weakness off and on.
Bobbie
Alabama
I’ve been getting the flu shot for about 25 years and have never had any problem. Most of the time my arm doesn’t get sore at all. It also doesn’t give you the flu like a lot of people think.
Bobbie
Tucker, Ga
My experience with the flu shot is different from the comments I’ve been reading but I can only relate what happened to me as being connected with the flu vaccine. For the past 3-4 yrs I’ve been getting the flu shot since I am working with children. I am now 64 yrs old.
I got the shot on a Monday in Oct. at a Med Clinic. The shot was given in my left arm. By Friday I had soreness in the top left side of the roof my mouth which was accompanied with a bump by Saturday. The tenderness was so bad it hurt to touch it with my tongue. There was pain on the left side of my head and stuffiness in my left nostril. I had to take a pain killer to help with the pain. I am re-thinking my position on taking the flu shot in the future.
Medical team
As a nurse, I often wonder about the proper administration of shots by non-nurses or other staff who never receive licensure and training for technique of injections. There is always a risk when an injection is given: systemic reaction, infection, improper handling, cleaning of site and technique. That said, I found in the early 80’s that I am highly allergic to thimerosol – a common preservative/mercury derivative used in some vaccines. Anytime I received a vaccine with this preservative, my arm remained sore and painful for many months, not to mention other symptoms, although the injections were given by a nurse or other licensed professional. The trend in the past 5 years is to use non-preserved single-use injections because of this controversy (allergies or reactions to preservative) Since having only non-thimersol vaccinations, I have found I do not have the soreness and myriad of symptoms in the past 3 years. Just my lonely opinion.
Soleil G.
I had persistent arm pain for months after a flu shot, but I am small and elderly, with little muscle mass in my upper arms, and I felt the needle hit the bone. My health provider now uses a smaller needle for my shots and takes care to grasp the muscle away from the bone and angle the needle. I have not had a problem with shots since.
cb
pittsboro nc
Within a few days of flu shot I felt something sort of dislocate in the top of my arm, like a ligament or something shifting position, and then spent two days of the worst pain I have ever known–couldn’t even think clearly enough to consider getting medical assistance. After the pain abated I fell into such a malaise that I finally went to my doctor. By this time my entire arm was deeply discolored, dark purple approaching black. Doctor focused entirely on discoloration, did not address malaise at all and made no recommendations for either. Even at my best I am easily distracted so I didn’t press her. I guess I was mostly focused on whether I was dying (I am 85) and what, if anything, I ought to do about it. Neither of us considered that there might be any connection between the injury and the flu shot. As I remember, maybe incorrectly, the visit ended without any kind of treatment or recommendations. Incident seems to be over now except for some numbness in little finger, extending to about the wrist.
Brandy
NC
The nurse practitioner is lucky. I know two people who got the flu shot last year and nearly died, spending days in a coma-like state in the hospital due to adverse reactions.
Leslie
United States
It’s unfortunate the media will not cover stories about those who die from vaccination. I find that odd. They will report on just about anything, but not negative reactions or even deaths from vaccination. There seems to be a media blackout.
Mel
I agree and they know it is happening.
MiltonMaven
Atlanta, GA
This is really interesting since this is the first year that I’ve gotten the flu shot and had absolutely no residual pain. I got it at my CVS where I get my prescriptions filled. I used to be sporadic about getting the vaccine and would skip several years in a row. Then, in 2004 I got a case of the flu that literally knocked me out of commission for 10 days. A high fever came on suddenly and the first 24 hours were spent in the bathroom with horrific vomiting and diarrhea. If I could have left the house I would have gone to the hospital. I was in my early 40’s and otherwise fit and healthy. I can now understand why the flu can be fatal in older people or those with compromised health. I will never miss my annual shot again.