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  • What We Treat

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    • Other conditions we treat
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Overview
Immunizes against
Side Effects
Related questions
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Vaccines
Flu shot

Flu shot

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Also known as influenza vaccines, flu shots are given out once a year to protect against the flu. The flu shot stimulates the immune system to build antibodies to three or four strains of flu viruses in the hopes that it will offer protection from the current strains present in the community. Each year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) monitors the strains of Influenza globally and incorporates the appropriate antigens in the new vaccine. For best protection the vaccine should be acquired annually.

Dr. Richard Zimon reviewed this

61 year experience in Internal Medicine

Immunizes against

Common cold
Condition
Influenza
Condition
Flu (influenza)
Condition

Side Effects

Common

Back pain
Chills
Decreased appetite
Diarrhea
Malaise
Fever
Headache
Irritability
Irritation at injection site
Itching or burning
Nausea
Upper respiratory tract symptom
Itchy rash
Red (bloodshot) eyes, one eye only
Vomiting
Pain at injection site
Red eye (single)
Cough
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Joint pains
Muscle pain
Trembling
Chest tightness
Aching muscles
Wheezing
Rash
Itchy skin
Reduced appetite

Serious

Swollen glands
Hypersensitivity
Paresthesia
Numbness or tingling
Convulsion
Droopy face
Drooping of one side of face
Paralysis
Nerve pain

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