If your arm protests every time you reach for the seat belt after a flu shot, you’re in good company. Soreness is the side effect most people notice. Like a low fever or mild aches, it usually fades within a few days.

If a reaction hits harder than expected or sticks around, a provider at Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven can sort out whether the shot is really to blame. You can walk in any day of the week.

Why get a flu shot?

If a past shot left you wondering whether it’s worth a sore arm, consider what the flu itself can do. For some people, it means a week in bed or even a hospital stay for complications like pneumonia.

Receiving a flu shot cuts down your chances of sickness and can help make the illness less severe if it happens. It also protects those around you who are more vulnerable, such as babies and older adults.

Who should get a flu shot?

The CDC recommends a yearly flu shot for almost anyone age 6 months or older. It’s especially important for older adults and pregnant people. People with a long-term condition like asthma or diabetes also face a higher risk of serious complications from the flu.

Some people should hold off or talk with a provider before getting vaccinated. Babies younger than 6 months aren’t eligible. Anyone who’s had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine, or who has had Guillain-Barré syndrome, should check with a doctor first. If you’re sick on the day you planned to get your shot, wait until you feel better.

Common flu shot side effects

The CDC lists these as the reactions people report most:

Tenderness or swelling at the injection site
Headache or muscle aches
Low-grade fever
Nausea

They come from your immune system learning to recognize the flu virus, which explains why they show up so soon after the shot.

Arm soreness

Your arm may feel bruised or stiff, especially when you lift it or roll onto that side at night. It’s often sorer the next morning than right after the shot. A cold pack wrapped in a thin towel can ease the ache, while gentle movement through the day keeps stiffness from settling in.

Fever and fatigue

Some people run a low fever or feel tired and achy for about a day. An early night and plenty of water help. If you commute into Memphis or work long shifts, try to get your shot before a lighter day in case you need to take it easy.

How long do flu shot side effects last?

Most side effects show up within a day of your shot and clear within a few days.

If last year’s shot knocked you flat, mention it when you come in for this year’s. A provider can tell you what to expect and suggest ways to ease the day after.

Serious flu shot reactions: What to watch for

It’s true that any shot can cause a reaction, but serious ones are rare. Some people feel lightheaded or faint after an injection, which is why it helps to sit for a few minutes before you head out.

Severe allergic reactions are rarer still and usually surface within the first few hours after the shot, according to the CDC. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

Trouble breathing or wheezing
Swelling around your eyes or lips
Hives or a racing heart

Don’t drive yourself if any of these happen.

Side effect or something else?

Getting sick a week after your shot can make the vaccine seem responsible. Your flu shot takes about two weeks to fully protect you, though. Until then, you can still pick up the flu or another bug making the rounds at work or school. A cough or runny nose points to an illness rather than the vaccine.

Come to Getwell Urgent Care if you have a high fever or one that lasts longer than two days. Redness or swelling that spreads and feels warm needs a look too, as do cold or flu symptoms that worsen by the day. If your child seems unusually fussy or sleepy after a shot, bring them in.

Frequently asked questions

Can the flu shot give you the flu?

No. Since they include an inactivated form of the virus, flu shots can’t cause the disease.

Is it normal for my arm to hurt after a flu shot?

Yes, a little soreness after you’ve had the flu shot is the most common side effect. Just give it a few days and it’ll likely go away, but come see us again if it doesn’t.

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

Ideally by the end of October, before flu activity picks up. A shot later in the season still helps for as long as the flu is spreading.

Can I get a flu shot at urgent care?

Yes, Getwell Urgent Care gives flu shots on a walk-in basis, so there’s no appointment to book.

Should I take ibuprofen before or after my flu shot?

After is fine if your arm is sore or you feel achy. If you want to take it beforehand, check with our team or your pharmacist first.

Walk-in flu shots at Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven

A flu shot can be a quick stop on the way home from work. At Getwell Urgent Care, you can walk in without booking ahead or needing a regular doctor. If a reaction worries you afterward, a provider here can take a look.

We’re open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day at 6752 Getwell Road in Southaven, between McDonald’s and Zaxby’s. Check in online to save time or call 662-796-1111.