[mysterio]

The arm soreness is certainly because of the vaccine. The flu-like symptoms are almost certainly not. The most extreme symptoms you can expect (assuming you are not allergic to albumen) are a sore arm and perhaps feeling a bit tired or chilly the same day.

I don't mean to be preachy about this, but I know dozens of people who are flat out convinced that they can get the flu from the shot. So they don't get the shot, and they spread the false information, preventing others from getting the shot. And eventually, some of those people are going to catch the real flu and die from it.

[ladyjane]

The arm soreness is certainly because of the vaccine. The flu-like symptoms are almost certainly not.

Wrong. It is possible to get systemic reactions to a flu shot.

[BluH2o]

... but I know dozens of people who are flat out convinced that they can get the flu from the shot.

I'm kind of spotty about getting flu shots. A few years back, after not getting one for a few years, I dutifully went to my doctors office to get one. Within 24 hours I felt like crap, achy, soar muscles, etc.. It went away in a couple of days and I assumed I'd just had a mild reaction to the flu vaccine ... sort of a mini case of flu that would serve to bolster my immune system against an all out flu attack later in the flu season. This past November I went for my flu shot (I'm getting more consistent) and told the nurse about my reaction. She said any symptoms I may have displayed after my previous shot weren't due to the vaccine ... I probably had contacted something not related. Could have fooled the he** out of me as I rarely feel under the weather, and even manage to avoid most colds going around. Anyway, I'm convinced that I had a mild reaction to the flu shot ...

[netmilsmom]

>>I don’t mean to be preachy about this, but I know dozens of people who are flat out convinced that they can get the flu from the shot. So they don’t get the shot, and they spread the false information, preventing others from getting the shot. And eventually, some of those people are going to catch the real flu and die from it.<<

Well, I’m sure you won’t mind if I believe my doctor over a poster on FR. You seem set in the idea that this cannot happen. My Physician says otherwise.

[Ditter]

You are correct, you can NOT get the flu from a flu shot today but back years ago you did get the flu from a flu shot. My husband used to have to get a flu shot when he was in the Coast Guard in the early 60’s. He would get slightly sick every time. I think that info is still circulating around today and people hear it and won't get the flu shot for fear of getting sick.

I have taken a flu shot every year for many many years and I have NEVER gotten sick from it, neither have I had the flu from another virus that was not included in the vaccine. Just lucky on that last one I guess.