Why Does Your Arm Get So Sore After A Flu Shot

Why Does Your Arm Get So Sore After A Flu Shot?

You've probably gotten a flu shot at some point in your life. And if you have, you know that the aftermath can be a little rough. Your arm might be sore, red, and swollen. You might even have a low-grade fever or headache.

But why does the flu shot make your arm so sore? Let's take a look at what's going on.

How the Flu Shot Works

The flu shot works by introducing a weakened or inactivated form of the flu virus into your body. This prompts your immune system to create antibodies against the virus. These antibodies will help to protect you from getting sick if you're exposed to the flu virus later on.

Why Your Arm Gets Sore

When you get a flu shot, the virus is injected into your arm muscle. This can cause inflammation and soreness in the muscle. The soreness is usually worst within the first 24-48 hours after the shot, but it can last for several days. Also, in some cases, the soreness may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and a low-grade fever, which are all signs of inflammation.

There are a few things that can increase your risk of developing soreness after a flu shot. These include:

Being younger
Having a weakened immune system
Getting the shot in the same arm as you got a previous flu shot

How to Relieve Soreness

There are a few things you can do to relieve soreness after a flu shot. These include:

Applying a cold compress to the sore area
Taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Getting plenty of rest

If your soreness is severe or doesn't improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.

Conclusion

Getting a sore arm after a flu shot is a common side effect. The soreness is usually mild and goes away within a few days. However, there are a few things you can do to relieve the soreness, such as applying a cold compress, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and getting plenty of rest.