Flu shot arm hurts
December 23, 2021 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Hello, I got a flu shot (influenza) 5 weeks ago. My left arm where it was injected still hurts today. I'm going crazy. I've already tried using Voltaren or arnica cream, but it doesn't help. I then take ibuprofen, but it doesn't completely go away either. There is nothing visible from the outside. What could this be? The shot was given by a medical assistant at the gynecologist's office. I have been getting the shot from my general practitioner for over 20 years and never had any issues. I would appreciate a response. Kind regards.
Dear inquirer,
There are several possible explanations/causes for your symptoms:
1. The flu vaccine is unlike most other vaccines in that it is a new vaccine with different components each year. Therefore, it is possible that there was a stronger reaction to the new/different components of the vaccine this time, which would also have happened at the doctor's office.
2. Despite our efforts to strictly administer the vaccine intramuscularly, it sometimes happens that the vaccine lands entirely or partially outside the muscle. Depending on the structure, this can sometimes lead to more severe or prolonged vaccine reactions. From your description, I suspect that a portion of the vaccine may have lodged in what is known as fasciae, or near a small nerve, leading to prolonged vaccine reactions. An infection or abscess would not be suspected based on your description, so Voltaren and arnica ointment would not help. If there is no improvement after 6 weeks, I would recommend seeing your primary care physician. Medications developed to combat neuropathic pain can provide relief. Overall, the prognosis is good, as both the vaccine will be broken down and the vaccine reaction will eventually pass. I hope this information has helped clarify the situation for you and wish you a speedy recovery.
