Micro/Biology

» newsnotes - flu shot reactions

I'm very curious about actually contracting the flu from a flu vaccine. I once had a flu shot on a whim. Our company was giving them out to those who were interested. At the time I wasn't, but was talked into it by a friend because, "...it's free and it can't hurt."

I went on vacation a couple of days later and proceeded to get the flu! A full-blown case of it!! I was staying at my brother's house in CA and boy was that fun... (the coughs, the aches, the fever!)

I've been told by those 'in the know' that this couldn't have happened... but it did. In no way was I feeling under weather when I took that shot...

It's been about 5 years but I'm still wondering what happened. Is this 'typical' and could I expect the same reaction should I decide to brave it again?

Thank you... ~newsnotes

-- posted by newsnotes

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» Judy Arbique - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by newsnotes:

I'm going to try and get the answers to your questions...I am of the belief that you cannot get the flu from the flu-shot but will ask someone more expert than myself for their comments on this.

Stay tuned...

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» Judy Arbique - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by newsnotes:

I finally have an expert's answer to your question.

It is not possible to get influenza from the vaccine - it is not a live attenuated virus (i.e. there is no complete virus present) so it is IMPOSSIBLE to get flu from it.

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» Lethegrin - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by arbiquej:

... vaccines are simply the viruses with their DNA removed VIA radiation. Your body still goes through the same immune response as if it were a "live"* virus because it can't tell the difference, in fact this is how it becomes immune. The immune response (achy, swelling, fever, ect..) is what your body will do to any virus enucleated or not. Anything it can do to reduce the effect of a threat.

I would guess that your arm ached a little too, correct? That is because the white blood cells are rushing to the source of the virus and thus in a way "clogging" your capillaries.

So in conclusion it's your own body that is making you feel ill, however it IS POSSIBLE (very unlikely) that a virus could have withstood the radiation and "survived." In this case you can get the virus from the vaccine you took.

-- posted by Lethegrin

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» Judy Arbique - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by Lethegrin:

I tend to agree with you on the reasons for the flu-like response.

However, the flu vaccine is not prepared from radiated virus...it is prepared by molecular amplification of portions of the virus.

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» lmarkssmith - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by newsnotes:

It is possible to get very sick from the flu vaccine. While you may not get the flu from the shot it does suppress your immune system while your body fights to produce antibodies. This leaves you vulnerable to other illnesses. There is a long list of possible side effects. I got Post Infectious Myositis from the flu shot. Diagnosed by my Neurologist not my guess. After 16 months I still have no feeling in my legs or feet. My peroneal nerve has been permanently damaged. I have neurological problems, short term memory loss, difficulty finding words and problems with concentrating. I now know several others with my problems all caused by the flu vaccine. I would have been better off getting the flu.

-- posted by lmarkssmith

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» Judy Arbique - flu shot reactions

In response to flu shot reactions posted by lmarkssmith:

I cannot imagine how your life has been changed by having, what would seem, a simple flu shot. And, I do not want to diminish the importance of your experience in any way. However, when compared to life without flu vaccine and other vaccines that prevent the deaths of many people, I still weigh in on the side of immunization. Perhaps, I would not answer so quickly if I was in your situation. With every good that can result from one action, there will always be those who are hurt. I empathize with you and hope that there are very few others who have experienced what you have. Thank-you for sharing your experience.

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