Why do shots hurt after

Shots given in muscles — like the deltoid in the upper arm where flu shots are usually given — tend to be more painful than ones that aren't injected into the muscle, Stewart said.

And, when you get a muscular injection, that needle is a little bit bigger, too. Unfortunately, the pain associated with a vaccine can continue for a little while after the injection itself. Stewart said pain should go away within two or three days and recommends taking aspirin or ibuprofen and applying ice and a warm compress to alleviate pain and inflammation. If pain continues after four or five days or there is swelling near the injection site, Stewart urges patients to call their doctor.

The soreness is related to the goal of immunizations, which is to incite an immune response. So, the soreness or pain you feel in the days after a shot is your body building up a response that can protect you in the future. According to Popular Science, this immune response may cause inflammation, which, as they put it, is your body "rushing to try to save itself.

Some folks, even kids, cry when they get their shots; some are troopers. Even myself, I just have to look away when I get shots. Last flu season was particularly nasty: Around 80, Americans lost their lives due to influenza and , people were hospitalized. The flu shot is safe , and you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. A sore arm is much better than catching the actual influenza virus —which can knock you out for days or weeks with high fever, cough and muscle aches—but why do some people experience this particular side effect of the flu shot?

When you receive a flu vaccination, your body is being introduced to antigens. Our bodies begin producing antibodies that provide protection against infection with the virus strains in the vaccine.

The influenza vaccine contains an inactivated virus, which is a "dead" virus designed to look like the actual influenza virus. Even though these viruses cannot make you sick, your immune system detects the virus as a threat and begins to fight it. Swelling, redness and soreness are common after the flu shot and can last hours. Mora recommends getting the flu shot in the arm you use the least. Some other ways to reduce pain include trying not to tense your arm while you're being vaccinated and moving your arm after vaccination or exercising to increase blood flow and help disperse the vaccine throughout the area.

Your mom or dad has probably had to show your school that you've had all your shots. Schools and camps do this because they don't want the kids spreading or catching serious illnesses. OK, it's true. Getting a shot can hurt a little. But the pain usually comes and goes pretty quickly. If you cry, don't worry about it. Lots of kids do. To make shots easier to take, try bringing your favorite teddy bear or asking your mom or dad to hold your hand while you're getting a shot.

Afterward, you may even get a little treat! Maybe your doctor gives out stickers or your mom and dad will take you to the playground. Sometimes after a shot, your arm will be sore, look red, or have a small bump where the needle went in. You also could have a low fever. Your mom or dad can talk to the doctor about any problems you have.

Usually, the soreness and fever go away quickly or after you take some pain reliever, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Side effects vary according to vaccine type , such as flu , shingles , or pneumonia. Generally mild side effects of vaccines may include:. Any injection site that continues to be problematic after 48 hours should be seen by your doctor immediately. Other symptoms that may warrant medical care:.