Is it okay to take medication after getting a regular flu shot?

Answer 1

If you are over 18. The NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) Aspirin (ASA, acetylsalicylic acid) can be used as an antipyretic - which means, it will help to reduce fever. Fever reducers are good to use if the fever is high, e.g., 102 F (38.89 C) or over . It is better for many people to avoid fever reducers with the lower fevers since one way for your body to fight off these viruses is to raise and keep your body temperature up over the normal temperature of 98.6 F (37 C).

For the higher grade fevers, you could use aspirin if you are otherwise able to take aspirin (see below). You could also use naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for high fevers. They are all NSAIDS and can help you feel better from aches and pains, reduce inflammation such as swollen sinuses, etc. and treat fever.

But those under age 18 should not take aspirin when they may have a virus or flu since there is a risk of Reye's Syndrome with that medication use with some viruses.

Do not mix more than one type of NSAID at a time. For example, whatever you take for fever will also provide pain relief and vice versa.

Whether you should use aspirin can also depend on what other drugs you may be taking.

Ask your pharmacist for recommendations for what analgesics, anti-inflammatory and/or fever reducer medicines would be best for you.

Answer 2

It depends on the medication but in most cases it is okay. The medications that are taken by those with autoimmune diseases and transplant patients to suppress the immune system may cause an incomplete immune response, if you take these medications contact the prescribing physician before the flu vaccination to find out if you should use a flu vaccine and, if so, which type of vaccine would be best for you. In the meantime, use all other precautions of hand washing, etc. to avoid catching the virus.

The literature with the flu vaccines indicate that there are no adverse interactions with most other drugs. If you do not contact your physician for advice in advance, be sure to tell the clinician who will be giving the vaccination about any medications you take before the immunization.

Answer 3

The package inserts for flu vaccines do not list that as a contraindication or as having drug interaction problems. If you can take Motrin otherwise, then you should be able to take it after a flu shot and it may help reduce soreness and inflammation at the local injection site.

Answer 4

Yes, it can help with soreness and swelling at the local site of the injection, as well as mild body aches and headaches that the immune response to the vaccine can cause. It will not impair the immune process or your development of antibodies to protect you against the flu that season. Always follow label directions on Tylenol and other acetaminophen products exactly, doses in excess of the recommended amounts can cause liver problems.

Answer 5

Yes. And it may help if you have developed any soreness or mild flu-like symptoms from the immune reaction to the vaccine. Just follow label directions carefully.

Answer 6

Yes. You can take them together. But aspirin is not prescribed below twelve years of age for fever. It can cause Ray's syndrome in children.

Answer 7

No because aspirin is for headaches and pain and serous injures.