3 yo sick after getting flu shot?

weddedwife

DD got the flu shot for the first time yesterday. She seemed fine all day. This morning she woke up with a sore throat and throwing up. Now she is feverish, lethargic and I can tell she just feels awful. Anyone experience this? Could it be a reaction to the vacc? Or was she just already coming down with something?

I know you "can't" get sick from the flu shot, but this is exactly what I was afraid of. We're not usually a flu shot family but we all got it this year due to baby on the way during flu season.

I'm waiting to give her some Tylenol until I know she can keep fluids down. Anything else I can do for her? She seems so miserable!

NicoleWI

I think it's a coincidence--reaction if any would likely be mild fever, body aches. Throwing up and sore throat is a weird combo in general. Probably just another illness, I would think. 

She is more likely to have a reaction if she got the nasal mist. ?

My kids got theirs yesterday (one mist, one shot) and so far, so good. 

LoveEeyore

We never get the flu shot either but I think it could be either or.  It could be an allergic reaction to an ingredient, it could be a flu, it could be unrelated.  The true test would be to take her to the pedi and get her tested for the flu.  That's what I would do to confirm my suspicions, or make me rethink my stanch stance against the vaccine.

 And yes they say you can't get sick from it, but the only 3 times DH has been sick that I've known him were following flu shots the gov't required him to get for travel.  Those are the only 3 times he's had the flu shot, too.  I don't buy it. 

weddedwife

Thanks, ladies. She seems much better after 2 naps and some tylenol. She's able to keep down some water, crackers and baby cereal. I emailed her Dr and she said that if the fever persists for 3 days to bring her in. I doing I'd wait that long if she was like this for 3 days, but she seems to feel better already.

And yes, this is her first year in preschool! Ugh, so many germs! She's been there 2 months and this is illness number 3, the 1st 2 were colds.

RnMom2Be

Any time you get an immunization, you are challenging your immune system to respond so that antibodies are made.  This can make you immune system less effective at staving off other germs....so you can be more susceptible to other "live" viruses and bacteria in the environment.

bearkatjen

Probably a coincidence, there's a bunch of stuff going around right now. My whole family has been getting the flu shot anually since 2008, and none of us have had any reactions or illnesses from it. 

Momma2Michelle

RnMom2Be:

Any time you get an immunization, you are challenging your immune system to respond so that antibodies are made.  This can make you immune system less effective at staving off other germs....so you can be more susceptible to other "live" viruses and bacteria in the environment.

This. It's unfortunately quite possible that while you were in the doctors office for the flu shot, she was exposed to another type of illness in the waiting room, or in the exam room. Even from the doctor if they didn't sanitize their hands in between a sick child and your child. Or, of course, she could have been exposed to something at preschool. I'm sorry she is feeling bad, and I hope you are able to steer clear!