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mclaugh's avatar

How do I get rid of some of the side effects from the H1N1 vaccine?

Asked by mclaugh (1256points) November 19th, 2009

I got my H1N1 vaccine this morning and I was fine all day. I started geting muscle and joint pain this afternoon and immediately took some Tylenol, but that didn’t help. I am now getting a fever and since the Tylenol doesn’t help, I am wondering if there are any other ways to handle these side effects until they pass(it is said that they last about 4 to 5 days)?

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9 Answers

sevenfourteen's avatar

Rest and fluids I suppose, seeing as how you technically “have the flu” inside of you. You’ll probably be fine within a day or two. this is why I refuse to get flu shots

YARNLADY's avatar

@sevenfourteen me too

@mclaugh Just allow your body to do it’s thing, get plenty of rest and liquids.

lfino's avatar

Did you get the flu mist or the injection? Did you get any kind of hand out that states the side effects and what to expect? Have you had the seasonal flu shot before, and if so, did you have similar side effects? I know that’s a lot of questions You should only have the normal side effects for a couple of days. I’m not really sure about the H1N1, but with seasonal, you aren’t totally immune for 2 weeks. If you were exposed to anything shortly before or after receiving the vaccine, you may actually have the flu or something. Some people also just have bad reactions to flu shots or other immunizations. That’s why I asked if you’ve had a flu shot before Make sure to drink a lot of water or something that replaces electrolytes (sports drinks). If you don’t feel like eating, don’t, but keep drinking fluids. That’s very important. If it keeps up much longer, I’d go to the doctor. You’re not allergic to eggs are you? You shouldn’t get any flu shot if you are.

JLeslie's avatar

I was wondering also if you had the mist or the injection? I think the mist is live virus. Ibuprofen usually works better than tylenol.

If your fever is above 102 and you are over 110 pounds take 600mg every 4–6 hours to control your fever. It takes about 50 minutes for it to kick in from the time you take it. Make sure you eat at least a few crackers with the pills and drink a glass of water.

mclaugh's avatar

thanks! no, i didnt get the mist injection, ive never even heard f that!

JLeslie's avatar

@mclaugh are you feeling better yet?

mclaugh's avatar

Yes, much better, thank you. My arm is still sore and I still have muscle/joint aches…except for those things, I’m top notch!

lfino's avatar

@mclaugh, the flu mist is something they squirt up your nose, and it does contain the live virus. The injectable is a dead virus, so you can’t get the flu from that. Glad you’re feeling better. All that aches should be gone pretty quickly now. Just keep taking ibuprofen as needed until it’s all gone.

Aster's avatar

On FluMist—contains LIVE viruses:
FluMist contains live (attenuated) influenza viruses that replicate in the nasopharynx of the vaccine recipient. The most common side effects include “cough, runny nose/nasal congestion, irritability, headaches, chills, muscle aches and fever > 100° F.”[6] These symptoms are nearly identical to those the flu vaccine is designed to prevent. However, I’m glad you’re feeling better now!
A cause for significant concern is the vaccine’s most prevalent side effects: “runny nose” and “nasal congestion.” It has been documented that the live viruses from the vaccine can be shed (and potentially spread into the community) from recipient children for up to 21 days,[8] and even longer from adults.[9] Viral shedding also puts breastfeeding infants at risk if the mother has been given FluMist.[10]
In addition to shedding via nasal secretions, the virus can be dispersed through sneezing. What is the normal physiological response when an irritant enters the nasal passages? A sneeze…sometimes a big sneeze…sometimes several big sneezes. Therefore, the risk for shedding–and spreading–live viruses throughout a school, church, workplace, or store — especially one which is administering the vaccine.
In the section of the FlumMist package insert labeled “PRECAUTIONS,” the manufacturer states the following warning:

“FluMist® recipients should avoid close contact with immunocompromised individuals for at least 21 days.”

The warning is specifically directed toward those living in the same household with an immunocompromised person, but the on-going release of live viruses throughout the community may be a significant risk to everyone who has a weak, or weakened, immune system.

The number of immunocompromised people in the United States is enormous:

It is estimated that at least 10%, or more than 28 million people have eczema. [11]
More than 8.5 million people have cancer. [12]
There are reported to be 850,000 individuals with diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV infection or AIDS [13] and
Based on 2001 data, there were 184,000 organ recipients [14]
An even more extensive list of at-risk people includes the untold millions on drugs called corticosteroids. As much as 60% of the entire population could be considered to be “chemically immunosuppressed.” It is important to realize that FluMist is CONTRAINDICATED for people who are immunocompromised. People who receive FluMist and are living with an immunocompromised person put their loved ones at risk.

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