Paging Nurse Bumpies: flu shot reaction? PIP

PreDempsey · September 2013

I got my flu shot at my 20 week appointment on Wednesday. Yesterday the injection site was sore, red, warm to the touch, and swollen. I googled it and read that it was a mild reaction and should go away within 1-2 days. Welp today is day 2 and now the reaction has a defined border and is still itchy, sore, warm, and puffy. I called my doctor and they said to ice it, take some benadryl (which I will avoid at all costs), trace the outline and see if it gets bigger. While I'm waiting for this thing to either grow or get better I thought I'd bounce it off of you ladies. I'm usually nonchalant about being sick but with this baby on board I'm trying to learn to err on the side of caution.

And it looks like this:

PreDempsey · September 2013

@marbee1214 thanks for the info. I'm not too worried, I would just feel like such an ass if I brushed it off and it was something serious.

ach298 · September 2013

Ouch! That looks painful.
Why are you avoid Benedryl though? That should help with the reaction.

bethughknee · September 2013

Benedryl does make a topical cream. Maybe you could get that instead of taking any? Hope this nasty little bugger goes away soon!

PreDempsey · September 2013

@ach298 I'm trying to avoid taking any medication if I can, just as a personal choice. I know it's safe but it all makes me nervous. As long as my discomfort isn't affecting the baby I'm ok just dealing with it. Also benadryl knocks me out.

Munchie2.0 · September 2013

eeeek... Hope it's nothing serious!

Sending positive vibes your way

ac1259 · September 2013

Yeah it does just look really irritated..I would do what they said though and draw around it with a pen, if the redness spreads further or you have any other symptoms like a fever or a lot of pain in that arm I'd call back. I get those every year and I've never had a reaction like that. Ice should help too...I would take the Benadryl but I understand your trying to avoid it. Hope it gets better soon!