Should you exercise after a flu shot?

Answer 1

There are certain situations where it would be appropriate to get a flu shot after having had the flu. See the group of related questions below for information on these circumstances and the reasons this may be needed. The risk of problems with the flu, especially for those in high risk groups, far outweighs the very minimal risk of getting a vaccination.

If you are 100% sure from lab testing that the flu you had is the same as the vaccination, then there would be no reason to get the shot. Since the seasonal flu shots contain vaccine for three different types of flu, then the odds that you already had all three is very low. It will not hurt you to get a flu shot for the type of flu you already had, so to be on the safe side, go ahead and get the vaccination.

Answer 2

You really should rest when you have an infection like the flu. Since the symptoms usually last only a week for most people, try to avoid the exercise if you can. If you must exercise, it should be light exercise only. Working with weights and other heavy exercise or running should be avoided.

Your body is already under stress while fighting the infection. Wrongly, some people believe that if they go to the gym and sweat a lot, they will get rid of the virus, and this is not the case. When you are sick your immune system is working overtime to return you to your healthy state, and if you exercise vigorously at the same time, your body will need to compensate to tolerate doing those two stressful processes (exercise and fighting a virus) simultaneously. The result could be that the virus will gain more battles against your immune system than it would have otherwise, and you may stay sick longer or become even sicker.

When you are sick, your body is asking you to, "Please rest, drink plenty of fluids and let me fight this." Listen to your body symptoms. Don't put more stress on your body, be patient, get two to three days of full rest (or more if you remain weak or tired, pay attention and continue to rest). You will have an easier time recovering your energy levels successfully that way.

Especially don't exercise in public (e.g., go to the gym or track) when you are sick, especially with contagious infections like the flu. That will expose others in public to your virus and could make them sick, too.

Answer 3

Yes, in fact it is advised that you use your arm normally after the flu shot since that helps the soreness go away faster. Don't exercise it strenuously or lift heavy weights, but using the arm for normal activities and mild exercise is good.

Answer 4

The day of the vaccination, resumption of normal activities is appropriate, but if possible, do not overexert yourself.

If you get an injection in your arm, and you notice soreness developing, it will be less sore if you use your arm normally rather than holding it still and guarding it.

Answer 5

Depending on your conditioning and how fast and far, you can do some mild exercise the first day or two, but then it should be no problem to return to normal activities. Running a marathon or otherwise exhausting yourself would not be a good idea.

Answer 6

Yes. The seasonal flu shot in the US contains vaccines against three different types of flu. Even if you may have caught one of them, you will still need protection from the other two kinds in the flu shot.

If you are exposed to one of the vaccine's organisms before getting the shot, having the shot will not "double dose" you, and it will not hurt to have the shot even after you have had the flu. Your body will just "say", "been there done that and know how to kill it" then ignore it and start working on the other virus protection.

Answer 7

Yes, you will still be vulnerable to other strains and different flu viruses. The flu vaccines contain three different types of flu viruses, not just one. [In the 2012-2013 flu season, there is also a new quadrivalent flu vaccine that protects against four flu viruses.]

Answer 8

Never get a flu vaccine at all. All vaccines contain Mercury (as a preservative) and is the most toxic substance known to us. NO amount of mercury is safe, and is blamed for causing a multitude of illnesses, including autism in children,.