Can you get a cold after the flu shot?

Answer 1

Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine is meant to cover the types of flu expected to be most dominant during any given flu season. However, many other flu viruses exist which would not be covered by that particular flu vaccine.

If you actually get the flu, and not just a mild reaction to the vaccine (which can seem similar at first), it will most likely be because you:

• had it already before you got the vaccine and just had not shown symptoms yet; or,
• between the time you took the vaccination and your body developed the full immunity you caught the flu. This can take as long as two weeks in adults with healthy immune systems, but with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine it worked as quickly as 8 - 10 days in many people. Children under age 10 require a series of two vaccinations for the flu since their immune systems are immature and they need an extra "kick start". Around one month after their first shot they will need a second one, and then within another 3 or so weeks, they will have developed full immunity to that particular organism); or,
• you may have caught a strain of flu that was not included in the vaccine, and so the vaccination would not provide immunity to it (however, if it is a similar strain, it could make your symptoms milder).

Answer 2

If you actually get the flu, and not just a mild reaction to the vaccine (which can seem similar at first), it will most likely be because you:

• had it already before you got the vaccine and just had not shown symptoms yet; or,

• between the time you took the vaccination and your body developed the full immunity you caught the flu (this can take as long as two weeks, but with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine it worked as quickly as 8 - 10 days in some people); or,

• you may have caught a strain of flu that was not included in the vaccine, and so the vaccination would not provide immunity to it (however, if a similar strain, it could make your symptoms milder).

Also, the ability of flu vaccines to protect a person depends on:

• the age and health status of the person getting vaccinated, and

• the similarity or "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine and those circulating in the community.

Answer 3

No, unless a different type of flu than those in the vaccination comes into play. There are also some other more isolated reasons this could happen, but it still is not common in most flu seasons. See the related question below for some of the reasons this could happen.

If you have a compromised immune system from disease or medications, you have a small risk of getting the flu from a vaccination that is made with live attenuated viruses. You are advised to use only the types of vaccines that are made with inactivated ("dead") virus particles and to not be in very close contact with anyone who has had the live attenuated (weakened) flu vaccines immediately after they have received the vaccine. See also the related questions below for information on who should not get a vaccination.

Answer: It can happen, you may get a flu shot good for a certain strain of the flu, but if a different strain hits during the season, you could get the flu. If the new vaccine cannot be produced in time for the new strain you could get the flu. But no need to worry, wash your hands constantly during flu season, NEVER touch your face without washing your hands. Steer clear of those hacking and coughing who may already be sick. Hold a tissue to your face when in public places. Use hand sanittizer wipes in shopping cart and shopping basket handles. If you get the flu don't panic, it happens. REST and drink lots of fluids, water, tea, gatorade, take tylenol for pain and fever,and the flu will pass.

Answer 4

Yes, you can get a cold after a flu shot if you are exposed to the virus that causes a cold.

Although, these two infections (colds and flu) are caused by two different types of viruses. Therefore, if your question is whether the flu shot could have given you a cold virus or could have contributed to your getting a cold due to some adverse effect on your immune system by the vaccination, the answer is no. It would be only coincidental. The flu vaccine is prepared to be unable to give you an infection of the flu and does not contain elements that can cause a cold.

However, in some people the flu shots can cause mild symptoms from the immune response that may seem like a very mild case of flu or a mild cold, but these are not actual infections. These are caused by the normal immune response to antigens that, in some people, causes mild aches and pains, headaches or low grade fever, etc. after a flu vaccination. These symptoms are not caused by a viral infection, but, rather, are the symptoms of an immune response. They will last only a couple of days until the immune system has reacted and produced the needed antibodies.

Answer 5

I had one fever blister 20 years ago. I just got another one when I got my first flu shot this year. maybe just a coinsidence...

Answer 6

Fever blisters have nothing to do with a fever. Fever blisters are a virus that lays dormant in the body until a bacterial or viral infection activates the fever blister/cold sore virus.

Answer 7

No and fever blister and cold sores are nothing to do with the flue shot.